During classes at West Point, we discussed this kind of thing from the perspective of combat tactics versus moral/ethics of leadership. The takeaway was that when planning for battle, you come up with your initial plan, which will defeat the enemy, no holds barred. You then begin to impose restrictions on that plan, such as minimizing collateral damage to civilians, complying with the rules of engagement. You then engage the enemy, throw the plan out the window, and adapt/improvise/overcome.