It sounds like you are referring to a well-known problem in economic theory and mechanism design, often called (or sometimes "Nicole’s Job Offer").
Write down your stop-loss trigger before the adrenaline hits. When risk is high, logic leaves first. Nicole-s Risky Job
Post by SaltyHermit in Nicole's Risky Job comments - Itch.io It sounds like you are referring to a
Hours later, back in the safety of the city, Nicole handed over the core. The client fumbled with the payment, his hands shaking. Post by SaltyHermit in Nicole's Risky Job comments - Itch
If the employer could see Nicole’s effort, the solution would be easy: pay her a fixed salary if she works, and fire her if she doesn't. Because effort is unobservable, the employer must pay Nicole a "risk premium." She demands extra money to compensate for the risk that she might work hard but still fail and get a low bonus. This proves that —it costs the employer more to hire Nicole than it would if he could just trust her.