They just seemed to react to whatever situation they were put in. Thom, for example. He's a great character and an awesome guy, but you can't really argue that he has had a 'purpose' that he has been working for (besides saving Moraine ). Same thing for Faile, and Nyneave for example. Neither of them has really had a 'higher calling' that they have been working to fulfill. Nyneave did a little bit during The Gathering Storm, while she tried to help Rand, but mostly she's worked on numerous small things.

Cadsuane, Moraine, and Verin all had higher purposes. I don't really count Cadsuane's and Verin's work as that great, however. I'm sure Cadsuane was working on something important before she started up with Rand, but from what I've seen of her mission to teach Rand humanity, I've seen almost no sacrifice on her part. Largely because she wouldn't rather be doing anything else; it wasn't a 'sacrifice' to take on Rand, she was doing it because that's what she enjoys doing. As for Verin, I empathize with her a lot. But from what I've read and gathered about how she ended up in that situation in the first place, it was largely her own fault. She ended up a Darkfriend because of the choices she made, but she tried to make the most of a bad situation. Major kudos to her, but she isn't the most dedicated WOT character.

I respect Moraine's devotion to her Purpose quite a bit; she faced Black Ajah, gave up chances to progress in Tar Valon, and eventually died (ish) for her Cause. She Sacrificed quite a bit. However, I never really empathized with her that well. I always felt like her 'cause' was more to the mission itself than the results. I always had the impression that it was more important to her that she complete her goal than it was for people to be benefited from the results of that goal. I don't think I'm saying this very clearly, but then again, I'm one of the few people that doesn't really like Moraine. However, I can't argue that her devotion, whether it was just to the mission or to actually help the world, far exceeds most other WOT characters.

One of my personal favorite, however, is probably Bashere. I can't help but respect the man. He was originally serving his Queen, but he was a greater good, and made decisions and took massive action in serving that good. He's aware that if he ever returns to Saldea, he'll probably get killed, but he gave that up to support Rand.