Various aspects include methods and computing devices implementing the methods for evaluating device behaviors in the computing devices. Aspect methods may include using a behavior-based machine learning technique to classify a device behavior as one of benign, suspicious, and non-benign. Aspect methods may include using one of a multi-label classification and a meta-classification technique to sub-classify the device behavior into one or more sub-categories. Aspect methods may include determining a relative importance of the device behavior based on the sub-classification, and determining whether to perform robust behavior-based operations based on the determined relative importance of the device behavior.