In Breaking Bad, Tuco explains to Walter that the reason why he stole his meth is because “sometimes you got to rob to keep your riches.”
Tuco Salamanca, a sociopathic drug kingpin, became Walt and Jesse’s distributor before they got into business with Gus. Taco was absolutely crazy and such an enjoyable character to watch.
After Walt blows up Tuco’s office by throwing a small amount of fulminated mercury to the other side of the room, he threatens to throw another bag, which is much bigger. They end up striking a deal, where Walt and Jesse sell meth to him to distribute, with Tuco providing money up front.
Tuco’s explanation that “sometimes you got to rob to keep your riches” is said to Walt as a way of saying that they are both the same. He’s saying that Walt should understand why he did what he did because he did the same exact thing to him.
Tuco stole from Jesse to show him who is boss. For him it was all about respect. And Walt came in to collect the money and a fee for Jesse’s pain and suffering to show Tuco that he can’t mess with them. Again, it was about respect for Walter, too. He totally strongarmed Tuco, with the threat of violence with the fulminated mercury, getting a better deal for meth distribution and money for Jesse’s pain and suffering. For some people, especially in a trade such as illegal substances, to stay in power and be feared you have to protect what you have and what you do at all costs.
