Is there a single English word, or a fixed phrase, to describe the attitude conveyed when someone destroys an object/opportunity for others simply because he/she cannot benefit from it?
For example, suppose a formerly wealthy financier goes bankrupt and his creditors arrive to haul away his assets which include some expensive artworks. However before the creditors can get to the art, the bankrupt financier burns them and declares that "if I can't have it, nobody can!"
How can you describe his actions?
