Final answer:
According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, people behave badly when trying to meet lower-level survival needs, which can override ethical considerations. Self-actualization is achieved only when the lower needs are met, while self-transcendence explains self-sacrificial acts for greater causes.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Abraham Maslow's theory of the hierarchy of needs, people's behaviors can be attributed to their efforts to fulfill certain needs, ranging from basic physiological demands to higher-level psychological needs. The foundation of Maslow's pyramid consists of physiological needs crucial for survival, such as food, water, and shelter.
Self-actualization is the pinnacle of this hierarchy, but it is important to note that late in life, Maslow introduced the concept of self-transcendence, which involves striving for meaning beyond oneself. This level can explain why some individuals may put themselves at risk for a greater cause, as they are motivated by factors beyond their immediate personal needs.