Empathy can often be counter productive.

Look at wellfare.
Look at Africa.

We pour in billions and billions of voluntary donated $ into Africa to feed the people, and nothing is achieved since they aren't capable of producing their own items to make their own lives easier.

People need to take care of themselves.

Having empathy doesn't mean you're going to do something good, only that you're going to feel like you're doing something good.
Sometimes the harsh options are the best options for the people.