Pretty much yeah. In this situation, there is absolutely no difference. PvP in this world is absolutely wrong. Saying 'Oh, they're adventurers, so it doesn't hurt as much' isn't an excuse. It still hurts. And very well might have secondary repercussions.
In a real game, of course, this is different. Heck, I enjoy PvP, though more organized PvP to what some games call 'World PvP' as the GIFT rears its head and it becomes a case of idiots killing lowbies and hiding behind 'It's PvP! Why so serious?! </insert other lame meme here>'
Though I do think most PvP games tend to have a lot worse communities. Heck, pure PvP games like MOBA games tend to have some of the worst reputations ever. S'why I refuse to play League of Legends without friends.
PvP, due to competition, seems to bring out the worst in people.