like most things with people can't really make a blanket statement? I have seen enough parents who give absolutely zero fucks about their kids to believe it's plausible without some ulterior motive. for whatever reason lots do not put the lives of their children above their own.
one can argue narcissism, id, intent, etc., but I tend to err on side of crap parent.
*edit* I am not discounting honest mistakes and actually think the 'auto-pilot' thing could totally be plausible, at least for myself.