Intentions

Do you believe in doing the right thing for the wrong reason? I know that there is no such thing as a completely selfless act. Even altruistic work makes us feel good and feeds our egos. But if the intention is completely selfish but just happens to have an altruistic ending, is that okay? I can't help but think that intention has energy and power as well, not just the actual actions themselves.

Or, in the end, does the energy of the action overpower the energy of the intentions? Perhaps it doesn't matter if the recipient of the good act has been helped?