This is human nature

If want to know where I believe the banal-evil portions of human nature come from, I believe that it starts with this:

Everybody feeds the fat boy.
(both literally, and also metaphorically for other concepts that are not obesity, such as wealth, love, etc...)

Sometimes it is done with good intentions because the kid obviously looks like he loves to eat, so it must be what makes him happy, right?
Sometimes it is done maliciously, with intent to cause long-term damage that can be plausibly denied as good intentions.

If you want to find a good person, in my opinion, look for the people who choose not to feed the fat boy. They are the smart ones.
(Exact wording of initial aphorism borrowed from the Residents)