> This has nothing to do with software engineering.

You should note I said that way of thinking "is tempting to software engineers," not that is exclusive to them or has anything specifically to do with software engineering.

> It's about business risk management. I'm not justifying it, just explaining the sad reality of it.

The actual sad reality that some people chose to treat others unkindly pre-emptively.

> I'm glad you have a crystal ball to perfectly predict how everybody will act in future situations.

I don't, but I think you can minimize your risk, if that's what you need to avoid being an asshole. Then you have to practice trusting others.

> But sometimes it's the people who seem the most pleasant and helpful who take layoffs the worst, because they feel the most betrayed after everything they gave emotionally in good faith.

Honestly, that seems like an argument for making sure employees have good work-life balance, so they're not giving an unhealthy to the point where they feel betrayed.

But I suspect the people who think "I'll make them angry, but that's OK because I'll make sure they can't any damage," are probably also the kind of people who would knowingly exploit an over-committed employee.