Some of that fits. The Soldier has already done everything terrible that they could ever imagine doing-- under orders, but they still did it. They stop themselves from doing things all the time. But not because they want to impress, or don't think they're good enough, or not worth saving. They know their worth. They are, in fact, very expensive to maintain.

That's all black and white, though. Numbers. That's probably not what the kid means. They consider a moment. "Would rather someone have those problems," they decide, "than have anyone have been through that. Not worth it."