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Id say they are actually driven by a collectivist ethic, like much of what is often critiqued as "individualist." the Eastwood/Wayne prerogative isnt just taking matters into one's own hands outside the confines of the institution, but rather taking on the dutiful role of protecting the underlying collective identity of american nationalism, civilized society, and the protestant work ethic into one's own hands. going vigilante to fight for the greater collective good. this atomized liberal individualism isnt really in the service of self-interest, but for larger socioeconomic causes and values, making it more collectivist than it admits.