It might not seem like it, but it wasn't always like this though. Profit above all else is a mantra that began to pop up in the USA between the 70 and 80s. Before then companies felt they had an obligation to benefit society. Just read this piece written in 1970 by economist Milton Friedman. He was one of the first to take aim at the idea that companies had any social responsibilities. What we're experiencing right now might be the aftermath of that.
If you're into technology and interested in its past, present and future and that of business, I recommend reading this book. It gives an optimistic outlook on the future and on "the profit machine". About how the machine is just another algorithm that can be optimized for society's gain, just like we've done in the past.