For some, breaking the law is only a business expense

The law-as-price theory posits that fineable laws should be considered not as "if you break this law, you have to pay money" but rather as "if you pay money, you can break the law." Creator Planet Money claims companies often chalk such fines off as a business expense. And when fines become untenable, probably raised by authorities, companies can use "information campaigns" to legitimize their operations (violations).