The product/update is hyped and the release date is set in stone. Tensions are high and your boss has already let you know that you're on thin ice and not delivering on the project goals.
A last-minute showstopper bug comes in, caused by file leaks. Everyone is scrambling, and the file belongs to you so its on you to fix it alone. There is no time for code review, and delaying isn't an option (so says management). "I'm afraid if we keep seeing these delays in your components, we might have to consider rehiring your position".
The rm rf works -- it's a little bit scary, but it works. You write a test case, and everything passes. Still, you add the "scary" line for good measure. You have two more bugs for fix today and you'll be lucky if you're home by midnight and see your wife or kids. You've been stuck in the office and haven't seen them in days.
Are you an "idiot", "talentless" engineer that "deserves to have his software engineering license permanently revoked"? How do you know this wasn't the genesis of this line of code?