Final answer:
The passages demonstrate historical instances where money and power influenced ethical and legal outcomes, revealing attitudes towards human value and justice.
Step-by-step explanation:
The provided extracts portray various scenarios involving money, deception, and the value of human life across different historical contexts. These narratives, centered on questionable ethical and legal issues, reflect the complex interplay between wealth, power, and morality in society. They reveal times when the worth of individuals or the consequences of certain actions were minimized or ignored due to prevailing attitudes and the influence of those in power.
From Colonel Forbes absconding with funds meant for veterans, to an old man murdered for a minor trespass and the subsequent lack of justice, to the manipulation of finances and personal tragedies—all these stories serve not just as historical accounts but also as a commentary on the socio-economic dynamics of their times.