But could you not argue it from the other perspective? In your first example one could say it is your thief's love of gain that causes him to disregard other p

But could you not argue it from the other perspective? In your first example one could say it is your thief's love of gain that causes him to disregard other people's property. Similarly, with your shoe example, it is the man's love of gain (shoes for cheap) that allows him to willfully disregard the exploitation involved in the construction of the shoes. This man's desire to get a good deal on shoes (gain) prevents him from purchasing more expensive locally made shoes which were not made through the exploitation of some laborer in a developing country. Thus it is the love of gain that causes people to disregard property, the suffering of others, and act irresponsibly with other's money (following from your banker's short sightedness). That, to me, implies that it is the love of gain that is the root of many evil actions. There are many good stupid people in this world.