Why do I ask?
Because every time I show them anger and spite, things get worse.
So is this alternative a better one and why?
If those people are facing the same challenges outside their control as I am then it's easy to see why - we are both in the same boat existentially.
Maybe if I were in their current shoes I would act the same way?
What if they laugh at or exploit me for showing them compassion? What loss is that to me? I can shrug off a laugh with a laugh. To be exploited I first have to allow it so I can deny it from the start with no loss.
Compassion must be the way. Yes, I'm not saying showing it will be easy. But it absolutely can be shown.