Invariably, the player's best interest is to advance to or achieve a set goal.
If it is in the player's interest to advance towards that goal at any cost, then death is merely a price that is paid for doing so.
A goal can be anything. It can be as simple as waking up tomorrow morning. It can be selfish, selfless, good, evil.
All goals come at a cost.
Nothing worth achieving is free.
How does the old show go…
For everything one gains of value, a sacrifice of equal price must be made…
something like that.
Would I sacrifice my life for a child in danger?
Undoubtedly.
Why?
Because I see myself as a protector/champion of sorts, and it would be against my morals to do otherwise.
Would I do the same for Obama?
I wouldn't piss on him if he was on fire unless I'd been drinking kerosene.
Why? Because I believe he is an agent of evil, which makes him my sworn enemy. To help him would go against my best interests.
I suppose what I am saying is there are always many goals in play. Not just one. Unless you are a completely selfish psychopath.