Morality ... is automatically important to a sentient being, whether they have emotions or not.
Not true.
Sociopaths by nature are people who have no morals or empathy, looking out only for themselves and would stab anyone in the back if they get in their way. This lack of compassion or regret gives them a huge advantage in the rat race.
They are still 'sentient', and still have emotions.
Morality is a weakness in the individual, at least that's how they see it.