Consider the alternative. In an environment where prosecution can merely inconvenience the perpetrator, every action is just the basic math of “gain - (penalty times chance of getting caught)”.
We already see that calculus in many corporate wrongdoings. It is not beneficial for the rule of law.
That is a false dilemma between 'a life in jail' and 'merely inconvenience'. For non-violent but severe crimes, single-digit years in jail seems to me as adequate punishment. Severe enough to blow away rational calculation, but not life-destroying.
We already see that calculus in many corporate wrongdoings. It is not beneficial for the rule of law.