Why would someone start this engine with no water in no radiator and then leave it running in order to watch it "blow up"?
I think it is selfishness. "I can't use this thing so I will make sure that no one else can."
My brother in law had a nicely built '69 Nova back in the day. Someone stole it and took it for a joy ride. It wasn't enough for them to drive it around for a bit and leave it on the road side for the police to find. Instead they took it out on the freeway; punched a hole in the oil filter; cut the hoses; and then drove it until it would drive no more . . . selfishness through and through.
