What is understood elsewhere as a crime is here regarded as a particular kind of dispute between two parties. Legal convention neatly distinguishes victims from perpetrators, but in mafia terms the right not to be robbed (or kidnapped or cheated) is greater than the right to rob or kidnap or cheat only if the victim's value to the protector is likewise greater. In fact, there is no such thing as rights. If a thief pays well enough, he qualifies for protection just like anybody else. Mafiosi have no prejudices in this regard. Prerogatives are allocated to the highest bidder, who need not be the richest.

Diego Gambetta, The Sicilian Mafia The Busi…, loc. 85