Crab mentality, also known as crab theory, crabs in a bucket (also barrel, basket, or pot) mentality, or the crab-bucket effect, is a way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you".  The metaphor is derived from a pattern of behavior noted in crabs when they are trapped in a bucket. While any one crab could easily escape, its efforts will be undermined by others, ensuring the group's collective demise.
Crab mentality, also known as crab theory, crabs in a bucket (also barrel, basket, or pot) mentality, or the crab-bucket effect, is a way of thinking best described by the phrase "if I can't have it, neither can you". Crabs are unlikely to be acting from jealously and spite. Logic dictates they are simply trying to attach themselves to something that appears to give them access to escape. The source cited is being anthropomorphic in his/her take on crab behavior. The metaphor is derived from a pattern of behavior noted in crabs when they are trapped in a bucket. While any one crab could easily escape, its efforts will be undermined by others, ensuring the group's collective demise.
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Crabs are unlikely to be acting from jealously and spite. Logic dictates they are simply trying to attach themselves to something that appears to give them access to escape. The source cited is being anthropomorphic in his/her take on crab behavior.