Why bite the hand that feeds you?

I think a lot of people on welfare vote for big government because they don't want to bite the hand that feeds them.  But there are occassions where doing so would make sense.  If the hand that feeds you also hits you or holds you back, you might want to take your chances and get away from it.  Especailly if you favor liberty and are willing to risk security to get it.  Also if you know of another hand that can feed you better (like perhaps your own) then you might want to bite the hand that's currently feeding you.