[zo1]

Getting the government to bail out your failing business? Sounds like a big win for the business.

*Note. I don't know the details of the RBS issue in the UK. Just commenting on a simple interpretation.

[tedunangst]

If a business wins, is it then implied that the government must lose?

[zo1]

Depends on quite a lot of details. But just by itself? Of course not. Though I wouldn't say it's the pinnacle of a voluntary transaction on both sides.

I'd also say that other business lose, in an indirect way. As well as the individuals that are now lured into transacting with a business that has failed or is more likely to fail in the future due to past performance.