How Does a Miner’s Profit Maximization Goal Relate to the Security of the Network?

A miner's profit maximization goal is directly aligned with the security of the network. To earn the block reward (subsidy + fees), a miner must successfully validate a new, valid block that adheres to all network rules.

The higher the potential reward, the more incentive there is for miners to invest in computational power (hash rate). A high, distributed hash rate makes it extremely difficult and expensive for a malicious entity to execute a 51% attack, thus securing the network.

Therefore, the pursuit of profit is the engine of network security.