Despising

I must admit I get concerned when someone chooses not to associate with another, on the basis of “I would not do that.”
To me, it is legitimate not to associate with someone for a number of reasons.  I think chief among the reasons, the other is not good for me. However to choose to disassociate, based on the belief that I am incapable of doing what the other has done, is, to me, presumptuous at best.
Also to me, there must be consequences for actions.  To me, it is right that someone pays a price for their actions, as long as it is based on justice and not vengeance.
I talk of them a lot, but I do think they have many lessons to teach.  I think of the Nazi Germans. They did unspeakable acts to other humans.  There may have been some for whom this was the chance they had been waiting for.  However it would not surprise me if, many of them thought they were incapable of doing what they ended up doing.
I reckon the choice they were faced with, would have been reason for thought.  Lots of thought (I am led to believe there are places in the world where this is their everyday reality).  I imagine if someone said to me “do what I ask, or your life is forfeit.”  What would my decision be?  We joke about a robber saying to us “your money or your life,” and us replying “my life, as I am saving my money for my old age.”  But what if I was faced with the choice “do what I say, or that is it for you.  End of story.  Kaput.” (kaput sounds German)
They are no doubt out there, but I am glad to say I do not know anyone who seems to be just awaiting their chance to run amok among humans, and cause major havoc.  For those who may be wondering, I am not either.
My concern though is that, given the right circumstances, I could do what I claim to despise. Thankfully, I may never be faced with a choice like the above.  However, on a day to day basis, I face choices where I am asked to do something that compromises who I am.  I may get what I want, but I feel the lesser for it.  To me, it is like when a dam is breached.  The rest of the dam may be really strong but the water exploits the breach.  Do something often enough, and the end product is that I no longer feel remorse, and I justify my actions.
I would like to think that I am not capable of many things, but who knows?  I can only hang my hat on the thought that if and when I need to, I will make the right decision.