Either. If you take a hit for an injured ally, stay behind so the party can run away, you gain virtue. Selfless acts are also granted Virtue if they're out of combat too. Let's say you stay behind so the rest of the party can escape, since you're essentially giving your life, you get a trout ton of Virtue, allowing you to maybe be able to use for pretty significant buffs to increase your chances of survival. When I think of Paladin with all their valor and righteousness, I think a system that rewards them for said behavior should be in place.