I was thinking replacing hacker with scammer. After all, Scammers scamming old folks are just showing a gap in online education and regulations.

Ransomware gangs aren't the vigilante heroes/embodiment of the undervalued IT security worker. They're a group of people looking to make a quick buck and don't give a damn about the harm they cause or who they cause it to.

Money can always be replaced. Lives can't be.

Most ransomware hackers are not so amoral enough to go around murdering people or calling hits. Some are, but most ain't.