SJSinNYC and Trying my best –
If I understand SJS’s question correctly, it is if everyone can get schar for everything, why does saving a man come first?
I think the answer is as follows. Yes, everyone can get schar for everything. But the purpose of mitzvos is not only for the reward, it is also to create a certain atmosphere in the world, and that won’t happen unless people actually do the mitzvos. Saving specific lives isn’t about judging who ‘deserves’ to be saved, rather it’s about prioritizing who the world at large needs more. One who actually does the mitzvos is necessary for the betterment of the world more than one who only gets schar for them.