This is a huge assumption of intentions. We can observe the actions of others, but we can't know their intentions from the outside. And it's part of why we're so divided--each side assumes negative intentions of everything the other side does.

I think a huge part of the solution is government transparency. Because a non-transparent government is not accountable to the people. And when there's no accountability, they can get away with giving all sorts of concessions to the people who are willing to pay.