Traders can run, traders can fight back.
If a lone VHF decided to pirate my Container Transport, it's quite safe to bet that I'll open fire on it, tractor in the pilot and drop it off at the closest border station.
But if you fight back, your ships destruction should be on your list of expectations.
If I don't stand a chance but can run, Ill run.
If it look like no chance, well Kudos to the pirates, they caught me and I'll pay.