When you make a statement that’s contrary to fact, use the subjunctive form of the verb. So in this case, he should say “Maybe if there were a loophole.”
Now for the digression:
Most people (in the US anyway) quote the golden rule as “Do unto others what you would have them do unto you.”
But they have it backwards! Translating the King James into reasonably modern English, it should be “Whatever you would have others do to you, do so to them.”
I have no idea why we say it backwards. If you happen to know, put the info into the comments.