I've never worried about North Korean law because I've never been to North Korea, and I don't do business with North Korea

I do work about following Thai law because I've been to Thailand, and hope to go again

I do work about following US law because the US has a history of pursuing US law breakers - people who have never even been to the US - beyond its borders

It's not "some random whim", it is the law. And yes, one has to work and expend energy to follow the law frequently. I did my taxes not too long ago. Also got my drivers license before getting on the road.

Or in another, more close parallel: You do in fact have to put a fence around your construction site so you're not liable if somebody walks there and hurts themselves.