[Friend of thunder]

I guess man does revert to mob mentality when they think no one can see them.

Not to excuse those taking items that are not necessary for survival – food and water, or bleach to purify water, while technically stealing is understandable – but I wonder if the mob mentality is aggravated, or provoked, by shock.

[DJ MacWoW]

but I wonder if the mob mentality is aggravated, or provoked, by shock.

You can probably throw fear into the mix too.