You are right in that people have an ability to justify some pretty horrible stuff, when it's convenient for them to hold onto their sense of identity. That said, this can be harmless when it comes to things like sneaking a cigarette and lying about it or doing some cocaine at a bachelor party. But child molestation and killing are a different thing. I'm not sure how one could internally justify that? There's a lot if space in between a white lie or misdameanor and killing/molesting. Where does someone go from being a shady character to being a sociopath? That's a good question. I recall a while back there was an online questionnaire you could take to determine whether you were a sociopath. I'm on my phone or I'd find it. Interesting question though. Chances are you know a sociopath.