Jesus had it right, indeed, Chaplain.
If I were a preacher, this story would be the centerpiece of my message this Sunday. I may mention it to my preacher for that reason. It's about as clear a choice as a person could make.
Even if you did no more than stay with him until he died, then come back down, your victory would be great. But going to top? Disgusting. Shameful. That's a mark on one's soul, IMO - a deep and ugly one.
Other details make this story even more heart chilling.
Apparently, the paraplegic who passed the man by had once been a stranded climber who HAD BEEN rescued....that's how he lost his legs. See #280