I suppose it could also be monetary as well, but it is the first thing that came to mind at 'hard times'.

[ He crossed his arms. Well, Miata had a sister...at one point but now it was clear the kind of end her sister had met. ]

I wonder, if perhaps at some point the populace became desperate to the point where they started instituting these games of sorts, thinking more dead bodies meant more food or money go around.