> The purpose of any business is not just to make a profit; it's to
>_maximize_ that profit.
>

Of course. The CEO's have a responsibility to the shareholders to do exactly that. If they don't then the shareholders will move their capital to other more profitable companies. It's is part of the evolution of business - survival of the fittest. If they can't return a profit then only place a company can get money to stay in business is either a from a philanthropist or from a government. Philanthropist usually don't fund for-profit companies so that usually leaves only the Government (i.e., the taxpayer) to subsidize the inefficient companies and keep them alive. When that happens what usually gets maximized is red-ink, corruption and greed. (i.e., 600 dollar toilet seats, or worse, stuff no one buys).