[yakiv]

    > Human beings are irrational and sometimes do things that
    > aren't in their economic best interest out of principle
    > or ethics.

Humans might be irrational sometimes, but this isn't one of those times. "Rationality" has no meaning outside of the context of a goal . . . the sentence I quoted makes it seem like you're saying people should only care about their economic (do you mean financial/material?) interests.

You also said

    > Think about it: if I murder somebody, then offer you $100
    > not to tell anyone, would you take the money? I certainly
    > hope not.

so it does seem you aren't actually suggesting that.