I think your example of a powerful superior is a little different. In the case of a superior, there’s a vague implication that non-participation will result in

I think your example of a powerful superior is a little different. In the case of a superior, there’s a vague implication that non-participation will result in some undesirable outcome like a smaller bonus. It’s basically a monopoly situation where the compensation for dangerous work is pretty low, but all compensation is prison is low.