What does this play imply about the value of life?

One great issue that the dilemma in this play so acutely points out is that Ridgeon is given the ability to choose to value one man's life over another. He scrutinizes each patient he selects in order to determine if they are worth saving. Ironic, given the fact that he acts without honor in passing off Louis to Bonington. Would Ridgeon be a man worth saving if placed in the same circumstance?