“People can be addicted to most anything, just like some individuals are addicted to drugs or some to Internet pornography, if they’re devoting a huge amount of time and becoming obsessed then poaching can meet that definition,” Eliason said.

As Golie talked with Eliason and delved deeper into the minds, backgrounds and characteristics making up the 1-percenters, he laid his character portrait on top of the clinical profile of a sociopath and found some striking similarities. He now believes a 1-percenter starts as a sociopath, manifesting his disorder in poaching.

A sociopath displays antisocial and often criminal behavior while lacking a sense of moral responsibility or social conscience. Irresponsibility makes holding jobs difficult and they often fail to honor financial obligations.

Sociopaths need to fulfill personal egos with a disregard for the effects on others. They easily establish relationships but fail to maintain enduring relationships. They lie, manipulate and deceive without a sense of remorse. They are incapable of feeling guilt even when caught, blaming others for their troubles and balking at punishments.