To be Machiavellian about it, it's worth burning bridges with the two-bit hacks if it furthers your reputation as a truly badass developer.

Assuming you can evaluate "two-bit hacks" in a way that is accurate enough that you don't create false positives.

One burnt bridge that turns out to be a major success later on, even if they are a hack, actually, can kill you.

The parable of the Lion and the Mouse should always be heeded.

No that's not the assumption. The assumption is you can increase your reputation with a group of people who matter more, thus opening more doors on average. No one can see all ends, you just work the angles you have.

It's not a zero-sum game though. You can be professional and ethical to all persons you have business dealings with, it just usually means saving your breath/actions for things that are more important. :-)