Utility Maximization

Utility maximization refers to the tendency to make decisions based primarily on what provides the greatest personal benefit, while giving relatively little weight to the costs imposed on others. Within the dark core of personality (D-factor), it describes a self-serving style of thinking in which people pursue their own goals, status, power, pleasure, or advantage even when doing so involves manipulation, deception, exploitation, or harm. The “utility” being maximized is not moral good, but the individual’s perceived gain. Also see Dark Factor (D-Factor) of Personality Theory