Are selfish people just trying to protect themselves?

I have a very difficult time understanding evil people. For the most part, I want to learn about them, find an excuse for why they are so evil. A new thought: are people who behave so shitty just deflecting? Can they not care about anyone, because they have too many raw nerves that they don't want to expose?

I love a lot of people who just can't be nice to others. Is this how my issue manifest? Permanent care-taker enabler? I know I can be a bitch too. I burn out. But, I feel like I love a lot of people who just can't care about anyone else. People who love the shit other people are suffering through.

I love these people anyway, but I really want to understand them. They lack empathy. They fake it. I think they even want to have it. But they don't.

They all come from homes that lack love support and consistency. But does that mean they can't heal? THey burn so many bridges, and so many people judge them and hate them. They are so alone in a lot of ways.

I need to know why they can't CARE for others. when they are sad, it's only about how something directly affects them! Is it American?

Do I not see this same shit in myself?