. Psychopathy exists on a continuum from narcissistic personality disorder through to full blown serial killer. The clever psychopaths (sociopaths) are those who don't have classic anti-social behaviour - as in physical violence - but are "functional" enough to hide themselves well.
When dirty tactics escalate and come out in the open, in whatever context, it's a sign the masks are slipping. It's always good to know one's adversaries.