A man with nothing to lose vs. A man with everything on the line

[ShineCero]

Both men are at the same level of strength and skill
Man A has nothing to lose, and has just had a bad day, and is in no mood to fool around. Man B needs to beat Man A, or else his family will be killed.
Who would come out on top?

 

[Appelsider]

Hahaha interesting question. xD
At first I thought that the man with nothing to lose would win, but I guess that person wouldn't have the strong willpower that the man with everything on the line has. So I'd say that "willpower/determination" would be the variable that would decide the winner, and since the 2nd guy has more of that I'd say he might win?

 

[Vegetto]

Problem though is in the fact that the man with everything to lose still has a negative drawback to his enhanced willpower: pressure. Some people thrive better with it, most break in the face of pressure that huge. While a man with nothing to lose is motivated by rage given the scenario and has no restriction towards how he fights, giving him unlimited potential.

I choose the man with nothing to lose, only because his increase in "willpower" has no potential negative drawbacks. If the man with everything to lose has thick skin and can handle pressure well, then he would emerge out on top. But with that variable there, I think the only fair general winner is the man with nothing to lose.

 

[Appelsider]

Hmm I agree with what you say, that's why my first impression was also that the man with nothing to lose would win.  
 So I guess the only way the man with everything to lose would win is, when he indeed has a thick skull and manages to use his "extra burst" of willpower which the other guy lacks, and turns the situation around in a critical moment.  :think:

 

[Tadashi]

The man with nothing to lose has nothing urging him to kill the other guy. I can't see how that person would win.

 

[Grey Star]

Hm... Kinda reminds me of the ending of John Wick but that doesn't really fit.

A man with noting to lose is suicidal and thus more aggressive but possibly sloppier, willing to get hit if it means hitting back. Therefore, the man who has everything on the line could exploit that.

 

[~ Z ~]

The man who has everything to lose would win. This is no question in my opinion. I see things like this.

Man B has everything to lose (In this case, his family) vs. Man A who has nothing to lose.

Man B has pretty much every reason to fight to the death to protect his family. That alone should be enough for anyone with any reason to fight to their fullest, regardless of strength or not. He has every reason to fight with all his might and all his endurance. I mean... his friggin' family is on the line. This one should be pretty obvious.

Now, Man A is left with two options: Fight and kill the man or lose. What's the reward for doing either action? Nothing. Think of it like this: If Man A wins, he gets nothing, if he loses, he gets nothing. Either way, he will get nothing. Nothing gained nothing lost. Why is this important? If he lost it wouldn't change anything so what difference would it make in the fight?

So it all comes down to this: Guy who's family's about to get killed vs. A guy who had a bad day... Who do YOU think is gonna fight to their fullest potential without adding some extra stuff to what is presented?

 

[Vegetto]

The man who has everything to lose would win. This is no question in my opinion. I see things like this.

Man B has everything to lose (In this case, his family) vs. Man A who has nothing to lose.

Man B has pretty much every reason to fight to the death to protect his family. That alone should be enough for anyone with any reason to fight to their fullest, regardless of strength or not. He has every reason to fight with all his might and all his endurance. I mean... his friggin' family is on the line. This one should be pretty obvious.

Now, Man A is left with two options: Fight and kill the man or lose. What's the reward for doing either action? Nothing. Think of it like this: If Man A wins, he gets nothing, if he loses, he gets nothing. Either way, he will get nothing. Nothing gained nothing lost. Why is this important? If he lost it wouldn't change anything so what difference would it make in the fight?

So it all comes down to this: Guy who's family's about to get killed vs. A guy who had a bad day... Who do YOU think is gonna fight to their fullest potential without adding some extra stuff to what is presented?

Because, again, you're talking about a scenario where the man that has nothing to lose is fighting all out without restriction on care for his life, his family, etc. He is motivated effort wise to give his fullest, given the scenario presented from "had a bad day and isn't taking anymore" and his lack of empathy towards something. So his is fighting at a theoretical 100% because motivation is balanced in the fact that he has nothing to hold back and nothing to spur him forward. If his motivation was theorized as nothing, then this fight wouldn't even be occurring at all. So the assumption that he is fighting apathetically is misguided: he's given motivation in the scenario that debunks that theory.

The difference comes in the man with everything to lose: he is going to be fighting for more than himself. So rather than simply 100% from the man with nothing to lose, he has the added bonus of fighting for his family, his honor, whatever excuse you can think of that would be of value. He literally has everything to lose. But the drawkback is that while he has this increased motivation to fight, it can also be a burden. Pressure and anxiety are factors that apply to individuals in a unique sense of character: some people can handle it and use it to their advantage in a situation to thrive. While others feel the burden and come up short, IE, choking in a very important sports game.

So there is no "clear" answer without adding something here: one side is at 100% at all times, while the other can be 150% or as low as 0% in the variable regarding someone's capability to handle pressure. Fairness wise, only one of those variables remains consistent at all times: the man with nothing to lose.