Phil Coulson does not believe that the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the one, especially not if there is even a sliver of a chance that he can save that one life. He takes no pride in stopping a criminal, not if the criminal was misguided and manipulated, not if the price is death. He will not let you off the hook for your crimes, but he does recognize the difference between a bad influence and a bad seed, and he does hope you can change for the better once that bad influence is removed.

No matter how damaged or despicable or dangerous an individual may be, Phil Coulson still understands and values each and every life.

(Requested by wanderingrookie)