The hostage-taker is more intent on ___________ than ___________ the hostage.

In situations involving hostage-takers, the primary motivation often revolves around the urgency and intensity of negotiations rather than inflicting harm on the hostage. Negotiating reflects the hostage-taker's desire to achieve specific demands or objectives, which may include seeking a safe exit, monetary gain, or publicity. This indicates a strategic approach, where the hostage may be viewed more as a bargaining chip rather than a target for violence.

By contrast, the act of harming would typically be a means of exerting control or instilling fear, which is not the fundamental aim in most hostage situations. Many hostage-takers realize that ensuring the safety of the hostage may increase their chances of success in negotiations. Therefore, understanding this dynamic is crucial in crisis situations, where measures focus on negotiation tactics to resolve the scenario peacefully and swiftly. This context strongly supports the association of the first choice with the common behaviors observed in hostage situations.