Pleasure-in-others'-misfortune

It is not enough to succeed; others must fail. (Gore Vidal)

Malice is like a game of poker or tennis; you don't play it with anyone who is manifestly inferior to you. (Hilde Spiel)

The emotion of pleasure-in-others'-misfortune (Schadenfreude in German) is generally regarded as morally evil. It is often considered to be less acceptable than envy, which is regarded as a deadly sin. It would appear to be morally wicked to be pleased with another person's misfortune than to be displeased with another person's good fortune.

People tend to feel this way for various reasons. One of this is because they wanted the same misfortune they felt to befall another who tends to be more blessed and successful compared to them. If we put it this way, it is not a form of revenge but a kind of twisted moral judgment for why would one desire for another person's
misfortune? Basically, the answer is "If I don't deserve it, why does she have it?" This is pretty idiotic. Of course you must be contented of what you have. The bottom line is people despise another who surpasses him for he thinks he deserves more. As a result, they tend to laugh at others whenever they fall down to ashes. This leaves them satisfied with what had happened and proud that they are able to surpass that certain person.

Normally, this topic is quite true between sisters, family and even friends. Once these people had reached the peak of their success, one gets jealous and tries to wreck havoc in that happiness. Though they might not show how they really feel, once you turn your backs, they laugh as if there is no tomorrow for joy is what they feel for your defeat.