Stockpiling virtue

A reason leaders behave inconsistently is a phenomenon called 'moral licensing.' When people do or say something virtuous, they seem to feel licensed to act in ways that might otherwise call their virtue into question.

Leaders working extremely hard for the common good, might psychologically collect moral credits. This makes them likely to judge their own behavior more kindly than they would do otherwise, even if it may be unethical. They may also convince themselves that others will see their actions in the same light.