If Mike wanted to maximize his profit, couldn't he have sent 1201 to 3 of the other players, guaranteeing them more than an even split and keeping 2397 for himself? Each of the 3 players are incentivized to accept because they're getting more than their cut of an even split, and Mike is rewarded with a huge payday. Yes this ends up sending one person home with $0 out of the $6000, but that is what is in the personal interest of the other 4 players (including Mike).