I would think of it more like 'couponing' than cheating the system. The companies in question are availing themselves of the laws available to them to get disc

I would think of it more like 'couponing' than cheating the system. The companies in question are availing themselves of the laws available to them to get discounts on their tax obligation, just as an individual might claim their children as tax exemptions, and use charity contributions as write-offs. As you indicated elsewhere, morals and law do not necessarily align, and you are trying to attach morality to a legal obligation here. That companies do the same thing as everybody else does shouldn't be counted against them, especially as it is legal.