The natural law was how a rational human being, seeking to survive and prosper, would act.
A culture where human beings act passionately to excel one another in doing good deeds makes them Divine.
The social hierarchy becomes a symbolic reality when human beings act as if these relationships are real and that their expectancies have power.
Human beings, at least, can sometimes rise above their instincts and act in a more generous manner- but I think not often enough.
But it does mention that all human beings "should act toward one another in a spirit of brotherhood."
Presumably the bunker didn't care where the controller was facing, but human beings like to act as if there were a point of focus.
In any case, the otherworldly beings acted as if there was a time set for Sodom's destruction.
We believe that all human beings must act toward each other in a spirit of fraternity.
But I am only acting as a desperate and dedicated human being might act.
In return, Data appreciated the opportunity to watch two very different human beings act with the information and react to situations as they arose.