He who gives alms in imitation of God does not discriminate between the wicked and the virtuous, the just and unjust, when providing for men's bodily needs. He gives equally to all according to their need, even though he prefers the virtuous man to the bad man because of the probity of his intention. (Maximos the Confessor)

Is virtue a matter of outcome or "probity of intention"?

Probity is derived from the Latin probus for good or proper. There is also just a touch of action. We take probe and prove from the same root.

Helvetius wrote, "The most generous action can produce in the moral world an effect no more sensible than a stone thrown into the ocean can produce in the seas, by raising the surface. There is then no practical probity in relation to the universe. With respect to probity of intention, which is reduced to a constant and habitual desire of the happiness of mankind, and consequently to vague and inefficacious wishes for the universal felicity, I maintain that it is nothing but a platonic chimera."

Probity requires action. Intention requires proof. Each depend on taking risks.

God does not discriminate between wicked and virtuous. Often we cannot.

We can, however, be attentive to intention, shaping it towards God's purposes. We can take action - no matter how modest - to advance that purpose.