The main reason I am not a fan of "to the victor go the spoils" is seeing how MacArthur transformed Japan from a world liability to a world asset after World War II with righteous rule and mutual respect.
The Japanese have a long standing tradition of gratitude; the Pallies, not so much. Civilized treatment works well for people who are, at their hearts, civilized.
Your point is valid. I probably should have worded it more like this, if the victim of the aggression is the victor then take the spoils