I'm a pilot of an airplane that can largely handle the mechanical chores of flying on its own. So most of my role in my job is in using good judgment and in making good decisions.
I can live without a few bucks, and I can live with a few nasty letters, admonishments, or even worse. If they arise out of doing the right thing they'll probably even give some interesting stories for the old pilots' home.
I can't live with wrecking my health, hurting my family, or taking chances with the lives of the 300 trusting souls in the back. So I won't do this, regardless of consequences.
Life is pretty easy when you do the right thing.