import math


def acceptance_loss_comparator(x, y, abs_tol):
    """
    Simple function for comparing loss with tolerance for plateaus where is X is "better" than Y.
    :param x: The x value to compare.
    :param y: Y value to compare.
    :param abs_tol: Absolute different.
    :return: Number indicating difference.  Less than, 0 or greater than.
    """
    if math.isclose(x, y, abs_tol=abs_tol):
        return 0
    return -x - -y