I get your drift and also note your sentiment on the nature of punishment (though I don't believe in death penalty) as punitive measure. I think imprisonment of various sentencing should be enough deterrent to corruption. In societies where those culpable are sentenced to prison, there is the likelihood of citizens avoiding anything that will bring about corruption. China is a typical example of countries with zero tolerance for corruption and that's a major part of what has stabilized her economy, though it's the death penalty way. Once a corruptor is hanged or executed, s/he won't have the opportunity to right the wrong. But if sent to prison, they could turn a new leaf and win more thieves over to the path of good. That's my point.