> That alleged right of criminals to be persecuted in strictly descending order of severity simply does not exist.

Exactly. Justice does not exist at that level of wealth, and this is a core problem in western society.

Well pointed out.

> this is a core problem in western society

Are there any societies, historical or current, where the extremely rich and powerful face justice in the way you would like, other than by pissing off other extremely rich and powerful people?

In China they say you can get away with anything as long as nobody dies.

For example, in the 2008 Chinese milk scandal, two people were sentenced to death and three received life sentences.

I did wonder whether I should include 'western' or not. I probably shouldn't have, since, I agree with your point, it's not a area that distinguishes western from non-western.