Why Not Doing The Right Thing Is Understandable

I've long considered why many hit and run drivers don't stop. Why a mother who abandons her baby doesn't come forward. IMO it's not because they don't feel terrible about what they did. I think the reason is more practical and tied to today's deadly economics.

I remember reading the reminiscences of people who either tried to help the injured and were then sued for whatever followed, whether they were responsible or not. And the reports of people who returned found property or money only to be accused to stealing it or not returning the complete amount.

The person unfortunate enough to hit someone, which they almost certainly didn't do on purpose, or the desperate or confused person who abandons a baby may want to do the right thing but so often doing the right thing means that they will be reviled, sued or financially destroyed.

So often nothing but punishment awaits someone who might otherwise do the right thing. Given this scenario, why are we surprised when they do not dare do so?

How different the result might be if these people could expect forgiveness, help or understanding?

We may not like it when people flee rather than staying to face the music, but I think we can understand why they don't want to accept an invitation to that dance.