[readthenotes1]

One way to define sociopaths is that they are willing to do what it takes to achieve their goals without regard to others.

It certainly seems Stockton was willing to do this, ignoring the evidence that his sub was safe and willing to kill others on the off chance that it failed.

That he died as a result is not relevant to his disregard for others.

[slibhb]

Of course his willingness to take risks matters. It shows that he didn't value his own safety over others'. It also shows that he thought the sub was safe. Being wrong doesn't make you a sociopath.

As I said, the interesting thing here is the attitude shown by posters like you and the author of this piece.

[readthenotes1]

He thought it was safe because he wanted it to be safe, not for any real reason.