Full Idea
Adam Smith wrote about the influence of fortune on moral judgements, giving nice examples. Someone carelessly throws a brick over a wall. His companion may complain even if no harm is done. But if the brick hits someone much greater condemnation ensues.
Gist of Idea
A carelessly thrown brick is condemned much more if it hits someone
Source
report of Adam Smith (The Theory of Moral Sentiments [1759]) by Gilbert Harman - Moral Philosophy meets social psychology 10.7.1.2
Book Reference
Harman,Gilbert: 'Explaining Value and Other Essays' [OUP 2000], p.176
A Reaction
This appears to be the earliest observation of the phenomenon of moral luck, though Plato (Idea 269) endorsed the view that the luck of outcome should be taken into account in moral judgements.
Related Idea
Idea 269 Attempted murder is like real murder, but we should respect the luck which avoided total ruin [Plato]