Principled or just petty?

I have often seen well to do people fight hard with fairly poor workmen such as electricians, drivers, a store clerk for a few cents worth discount on services delivered. I often hear ‘it’s not about those few cents, it’s about a principle’. I am sure I have behaved similarly in many places. The very same people who fight to get their rightful benefit or value, often waste significant money or other resources, that they could save, such as entering the car only after it has been ‘cooled’ for 10 minutes, tipping 5-star attendants to the extent that is almost vulgar, sometimes only when other people are around etc.

So I am wondering, it is really about a principle every time, or is it plain pettiness?

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Tags: world, life, people, civility