If that's true, we may have to consider spren morals. The Parshendi care about their seemingly mindless brethren in bondage, the Parsh-men. I know that's different because the Parsh-men are just in dull form, but still, I think there might be more to these 'hunts' than meets the eye.
Also, when Pattern found out about eating, he freaked out, so I don't know if that metaphor works so well...