> The consequences of failure in America are lower;

Several fellow commenters have already pointed out as the contrary is actually true, and I'd like to add a corollary: risking everything you have in a business is simpler in the USA than abroad because the society knows that they will lend a helpful lend should you lose everything.

Safety nets are a thing worldwide, and they cost money; thus some responsibility is imposed to each individual in order to limit the risks.