I've never truly been "hell-bent" on ruining someone. Granted, manipulation is the greatest thing ever, but in my experience ruining others has bad long term returns. For example, let's be completely politically incorrect and talk about slavery. The slave may do something bad, but killing it leaves the individual with one less worker. There is absolutely no gains.
I don't see the point in causing damage for damage sake. People are a utility. Like a car. Why would you damage your car. Yes, maybe it broke down on you once or twice, but it still gets you from point a to point b.