Therefore a prince, so long as he keeps his subjects united and loyal, ought not to mind the reproach of cruelty; because with a few examples he will be more merciful than those who, through too much mercy, allow disorders to arise, from which follow murders or robberies; for these are wont to injure the whole people, whilst those executions which originate with a prince offend the individual only. –The Prince,
Niccolò Machiavelli

Which statement best summarizes the argument in the passage?

A. A cruel leader will prevent subjects from living in a place of crime and violence.
B. A cruel leader will cause subjects to commit crime and violence in rebellion.
C. A cruel leader will execute subjects who are guilty of committing crime and violence.
D. A cruel leader who is faced with crime and violence must unite subjects.