In the case of a conflict between the preservation of two items, each of which the individual values highly and would like to keep, if the individual finds that he must lose one to keep the other, he or she will act in such a way as to lose the item of lesser value, however that value is defined at that moment.

It would be correct to say, therefore, that individuals act not only to prevent loss, but to minimize their losses.

What is important here is the universal nature of this desire.

When we examine the objective world of facts, and examine how we observe and formulate concepts and take action, we see an infinite variety in human behavioral patterns. No two responsive patterns are exactly alike.

When, however, we examine the area of desire, we find basic desires or motivational patterns that are alike.

On the basis of this observation, it seems safe to predict that every human being in the world will act in an effort to prevent or to minimize his or her losses in any given situation.

We will not be able to reliably predict exactly how a person will act in response to a given circumstance, because we have no reliable way to determine his or her subjective thoughts or values at the moment immediately preceding his or her action.