Are developers morally challenged?

Having recently concluded another sordid software development affair, the author is again pondering a question: do computer programmers have ethics or morals? Time and time again he has seen an investment lost, a deal disrupted, or a business destroyed because a programmer acted without regard to fairness or legal rights. Does this conduct reflect a shortcoming in the character of computer programmers, or are they somehow victims who cannot be held responsible for their conduct? How can programmers take such pride in their own work yet have little or no respect for the work of others? Even thieves honor each other. Legal and policy aspects of information technology use and development are discussed.