[luckylion]

Where is that fundamentally different in other countries for very large (especially domestic) players?

Will Germany actually take a swing at Volkswagen? Will Germany try to go after those that defrauded the government with cum-ex-trades?

Everybody vs banks regarding the Libor scandal? Sure, they paid some fines, but the fines were far below the damage done, and it appears to still have been a good investment for the banks, that is: all in all they made money, fines included.

Crime does pay at that level.

That's not something US specific, I believe.

[chopin]

I was referring to the fact that you can outpay your opponent.

Yes, large corporations can get away with much more in other countries as well, but rarely by outpaying their opponents.

[acct1771]

Disagree. The money is very important to creating and maintaining the position they sit in.