Yes, I take it at face value what you say about yourself. It's important for people to realize that this is a not too rare mode of human behavior.

I asked about the courts because i wanted to be sure i understood what you might be referring to when you brought it up rather than guessing ... that the Courts make this distinction, whereas I don't think that is what they really do.

There can be a lot of uncertainty about the emotional state of a person and still 'beyond a reasonable doubt' conviction of 1st, 2nd degree murder or manslaughter. But my knowledge of the law here is extremely limited.

My problem with this concept "instrumental vs. reactive aggression" is how to apply it to people in my life. I have wondered both about my father and my last partner, who I've been no contact with for over 4 years. It's something that has puzzled me for a long time and I can't say I've gotten any further figuring it out.

I think you are saying that you are capable of both instrumental and reactive aggression, so they could even be co-existing at the same time?