That does not require empathy. Facts are useful independent of your ethical framework.

If your goal was to kill all former pirates you’d want to know their professional background and likely current occupation.

Similarly a ruthless dictator who wants to end piracy should understand all tools at their disposal.

Ignorance is simply a detriment for efficiency. Though obviously if you want to exploit someone else it’s useful for them to be ignorant, which helps explain your own failings.