It's probably usually some rank and file employee making an honest mistake and the higher ups realizing they can't scapegoat the person because the company/org doesn't have proper controls in place.

That said... If I ever forget a comma in a config file and shut down a hospital, crash a plane, or detonate the strategic nuclear reserves I would hope the court of public opinion would look at the severity of the error itself vs the crazy consequences that can spiral from there... Before they drag out the crosses to personally crucify me.

These are really complex systems and we're finding new stupid ways to break them every day.