i interpret it more as a feeding frenzy.

when sharks or piranha find a large amount of prey they can enter a feeding frenzy in which they attack and eat whatever they can.

the parasites at the top of the pyramid are doing the same. let them concentrate their evil, it will only quicken the pace by which they are exposed. soon certain familes won't tolerate how their own are getting bitten and will bite back, and tptb will implode from their own greed and lust for control.