I certainly agree with everything that has been stated so far. Unless I have missed it, there is another element to consider.
These men worked very hard and sacrificed quite a lot to get where they are. This, combined with the ambition it takes to get where they are, can lead to a judgmental attitude toward those who are less-motivated. In times past, there were GB members who were less amibitious, but who rose through the ranks due to natural ability, experience and the quality of their work. These tended to be less judgmental and more moderate. They are all gone.
What we now have are ambitious, hard-working men who were promoted by GB members of like temperament. As they admit, they are imperfect humans and the human tendency for such like is demanding the same ambition and hard work from others. Anything less than that is judged harshly. After all, everyone's life is on the line.
Simply stated, self righteousness is part of the reason the GB behaves as it does.