> This is when I learned that virtually every person is deep down a liar and a cheat if they think they won't face consequences

I would argue that the opposite is true, that people are more likely to lie or cheat to avoid consequences, especially significant consequences.

This is why, the aviation industry that has made commercial flying safer than other transportation modes, grants immunity for reporting incidents [1].

[1] https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/overview/immunity.html