Counter-example: The relative levels of "military adventurism", which is already has a synonym for exploration right in the name.

"Exploring" with the military means means starting wars you didn't really need to start in the hopes that something new and beneficial will shake out. Like spending trillions of dollars invading and occupying Afghanistan and Iraq.

In contrast, exploiting what's already been set up means stuff like holding territory, guarding trade routes, and consolidating economic or diplomatic gains.