prod someone & when they explode blame them

It's often the case that people will prod and poke someone be it verbally or physically and then when that person retaliates, the perpetrator plays the victim. It's as if people expect to poke a wasp's nest and not be stung. Sometimes bullied people snap and bite back. If your going to keep poking and prodding you should expect a reaction.  But it's funny to observe that the ones who instigate particular situations often play the victim afterwards, and the tables get turned. This life is full of strange people and even stranger situations.