It would be an interesting thought experiment
It really isn't that much of an experiment, but quite the reality, in a way. Some countries went for the exploitation way, and got the best head start. The countries that did not go the route of destruction first got overtaken, and now they're trying to catch up in the same way.
Okay, that is not the way of improvement. It would be interesting to see. Until now, humanity made an art out of twisting every "improvement" into something ultimately destructive.
Yet, destruction is imminent. In a parallel universe scenario where there is not the mix, one would be destroyed, one has a chance to survive. The problem is that the incentives are aligned to encourage destruction more than growth.