one(s) who pay the price.

Humans are notorious for excluding themselves and their loved ones from negative outcomes, whether it's fate or caused by their choices. NO ONE wants to see themselves or their loved ones as susceptible to the "bad things" that happen to "other people".

A sign of real maturity is when someone recognizes that THEY are not exempt from the ramifications of foolish, bad choices.

That "better place" saying seldom actually helps those grieving unfathomable losses. At least when they allow themselves to actually feel their loss.