And if you insult people, and get rewarded by submission, one reaction is to amp up the insults.

After all, you don't know the limits of your power until someone quits. So abuse people, exhibit outlandish public behavior, say racist or otherwise objectionable things...every person who remains on your payroll is a sign of how powerful you are.

This is not a common tactic, but it's a highly visible tactic, and it's not hard to find some notable examples out there right now.