For some people EVERY human interaction is about dominance and submission. They have to assert and display their ability to control you. Their "power" over you.

They don't believe in "peers" because they don't believe in cooperation and equality. "If you aren't the lead dog, the view never changes" is their philosophy in a nutshell.

There are only "masters and "slaves", "alphas and betas", "leaders and followers" in their worldview. They have to always be demonstrating that they are "alphas". Because everyone else is just a slave to be dominated and used for their pleasure.

It's a shitty worldview espoused by shitty people with curdled souls.