That is an example of a guilt switch. Not empathy.
Empathy doesn't nessarily have a moral compass, as one may be empathic toward a tyrant ready to raise hell.
I mean yeah, I guess you're right. :P
I'll also add, that guilt and shame are correctional emotions, and they are highly intuitive. Going against them will leave you prone to stupidity, where your own species will push you away, and you'll find yourself on the road to poverty, begging on the street and eating scraps. Then it will be a matter of time before you do something even more dumb, then some men in uniform will come for you and put you away.