As an anthropologist, something stands out to me from the Epstein files: these men weren't just motivated by their depraved desires, but also wanting to be liked by the Party Guy. They were clambering for invites because they wanted to be part of the special in-group. It's sort of pathetic

A similar culture developed among Japanese soldiers in parts of China during WW2. Torturing random peasants to death became the evening's entertainment.