GordonexpletiveRamsey,
" Surely bribery would never happen in this country."
No, it isn't a case of " I'll give you money for a given result", it's basic psychology. I cannot remember which Ivy League uni it was, but their research said even cheap gifts alter the behaviour of the receiver towards the gift giver, The research was into gift giving by companies to regulators, customers (purchasers) etc. Similar effect is behind political donations.