The "fallout" from any act of wrongdoing is wide..and often forgotten..not due to anyone being harsh..The human can only absorb so much angst..and rather than get "case hardened" cope by not dwelling on the whole issue.
The other view is when a person cant move on and dwells on the act...forgetting the other things like business and investment..

whether a world event like September 11th or on another scale a ripple effect exists.

your business Anne...what was it ? I am sure hard work was involved.