Just as biological parasites exploit their hosts without reciprocating, free riders in society take advantage of resources without contributing back. This behavior, if left unchecked, places a burden on those who do contribute.

A society that fails to address stealing is like an organism unable to fight off a parasite. It may function for a while, but the harm eventually becomes too great. This is why well-designed disincentives for antisocial behavior are crucial for maintaining long-term societal health.