From the outside, I would say it initially evolves from the idea of control. Of thinking (subconsciously even) that man can change the environment to suit their needs/wants. And, not only change it, but make that change a foundation.

I keep hearing the same thing over and over in my head right now, but I am having difficulty putting it in proper words.

Mankind's motive is to change the world to suit their/our wants and needs. We think of ourselves as outside the environment. That's it! We think of ourselves as separate/not a part/outside of our environment! So, we change the environment to suit our desires, instead of 'existing' within it.