This idea is the basis of
utilitarianism. It says that we should act in a way that will provide us the most
utility. Although this may seem
evil at first, it is not a
moral algorithm. For example, a person following this
precept, may avoid
stealing because being put in
jail does not provide for much utility. On the other hand, a person who could rob the poor through
unethical buisness practices would certainly choose too, since it is unlikely that they will be stoped.