I haven't been around to see this but in my experience it usually boils down to.
Some high level evil/badguy characters want their characters to be feared/respected and when someone doesn't treat them that way for some reason, it is very easy for the high level to start thinking "I'm a villain/high level and I must beat them up so they will start respecting/fearing my character"
Low level players want to RP their character concept freely just like the high level but does not necessarily have the levels to back them up. Usually when a low level player gets picked on by a higher level they feel like "This person is ruining my roleplay" and thats when the OOC grievance starts.
While beating up someone who is acting like a jerk to your character would be the "right way" for your characters personality it would be a whole lot better if you informed the other person OOCly that their behavior may trigger a PVP fight so they are aware of it in advance before it actually comes down to it when all the damage is already done.
Sometimes it is better to find an excuse not to fight a player even if that is how your character would respond, make up an excuse not to engage the character but let them off with a warning, if it continues despite all of your efforts to avoid conflict then they had it coming.
Some high level evil/badguy characters want their characters to be feared/respected and when someone doesn't treat them that way for some reason, it is very easy for the high level to start thinking "I'm a villain/high level and I must beat them up so they will start respecting/fearing my character"
Low level players want to RP their character concept freely just like the high level but does not necessarily have the levels to back them up. Usually when a low level player gets picked on by a higher level they feel like "This person is ruining my roleplay" and thats when the OOC grievance starts.
While beating up someone who is acting like a jerk to your character would be the "right way" for your characters personality it would be a whole lot better if you informed the other person OOCly that their behavior may trigger a PVP fight so they are aware of it in advance before it actually comes down to it when all the damage is already done.
Sometimes it is better to find an excuse not to fight a player even if that is how your character would respond, make up an excuse not to engage the character but let them off with a warning, if it continues despite all of your efforts to avoid conflict then they had it coming.