Exploiting proxy gaps

Because everything is a proxy for something else, there's always one level deeper you can exploit if you have the available compute/intelligence. 

This might be a language for describing evolution. Any model that a given creature has is just a proxy for reality. If you have a better model, you can extract energy/resource/advantage from the gap between that proxy and reality. 

For example, a non-stinging fly evolves coloration to look like a stinging wasp. Some other animals don't have the ability to distinguish the fake colors from the real wasp.

Or a website forces you to click on some complicated things to avoid having your personal data sold to 3rd parties. If you don't make enough effort, your data gets exploited.