Modern societies have made this rather difficult, by putting people in a constant state of competition with each other

It helps keep the people in line, keeps them from fighting back. Necessary evil.

have gotten away from the worst crimes we can think of just because they are standing at the very top.

Not everyone has the ability to lead, let alone run large organizations. The talent is so rare, we allow our leaders great latitude and turn a blind eye to their short comings and failures because we need them. Look at what companies do for CEOs, it's a corporate king.