asdfman

I always took this to be Nalan's POV. He goes around killing "baby" Radiants to prevent / delay another Desolation, thus giving humanity more time. He clearly feels guilt for the blood on his hands, but feels he is serving the greater good. Alternatively, "further breath to draw" might be related to Radiants using Stormlight (they "breath" it in) with a possible fear they will use it up and/or weaken Honor.

I've always viewed this as the inherit difference between Windrunners (Always do the "right" thing in the context of individual situations regardless of greater implications) and Skybreakers (Always do the right thing in the context of society / the greater good, which manifests as upholding the law, i.e. Justice is blind and should be universally applied regardless of situation). Essentially, both are aspects of Honor that can sometimes be opposed, which is why you see mention of conflict / disagreement between Windrunners and Skybreakers in WoR.