Personally, I’ve only really noticed this reaction in myself in an academic setting with moving goalposts. If I’m putting effort into something I find at least mildly stressful, and success is “rewarded” with heightened expectations and further obligations, I develop a desire to prove that I’m capable of melting down and failing. The hypothetical satisfaction derives more from the thought of specific individuals observing my failure than from the failure itself.
Perhaps you’ve haven’t optimized much against pathological incentives?
Personally, I’ve only really noticed this reaction in myself in an academic setting with moving goalposts. If I’m putting effort into something I find at least mildly stressful, and success is “rewarded” with heightened expectations and further obligations, I develop a desire to prove that I’m capable of melting down and failing. The hypothetical satisfaction derives more from the thought of specific individuals observing my failure than from the failure itself.
Perhaps you’ve haven’t optimized much against pathological incentives?