those who have suffered frequent setbacks in their self worth due to personal failures and disappointment in real world relationships and responsibilities, sometimes seek to bolster that self worth by adopting a posture of being a self appointed protector of the poor and downtrodden of the world.

The poor and downtrodden, not even aware of their existence, are forgiving of periodic lapses into utter selfishness. This non-awareness allows them to take up right where they left off without the recriminations of those who have a right and a need to depend on them.

They have a deep need for the unconditional love that is usually available only from a pet.

(eat your heart out Dr Phil) :)