I had an even darker interpretation. Because there is a non-zero probability that some civilizations are, or will become, hostile predators, the most effective

I had an even darker interpretation. Because there is a non-zero probability that some civilizations are, or will become, hostile predators, the most effective survival strategy is to: 1) avoid detection at all costs, and 2) exterminate any civilisation you detect before they can invite the attention of these predators, or worse, evolve into one; meaning 3) become the predator