If you are playing an RTS, there is the initial stage where you capture as much resources as possible to keep them out of the hand of others. Eventually there is a phase change and it goes from hoarding resources to fighting using what you have to ensure others don't take said resources. It is destructive to both sides with only one surviving at a much lower level.
This is the sceareo I fear in the real world with situations like this. One hopes we use more wisdom than just take to ensure they don't take.