Callousness/Lack of Empathy

Unable to empathize with the pain of their victims, having only contempt for others' feelings of distress and readily taking advantage of them. 

This post misuses the word 'empathy.' A sociopath can very easily empathize with a 'victim,' know the feelings invoked, but just not care. Empathy is just the understanding and entering into of another's emotions. While a sociopath may not care about how the person affected feels, the sociopath will most definitely know how the affected person feels. Almost all sociopaths are very strongly empathetic, understanding and being able to access the emotions of the people around them. The amount of sympathy given to the 'victim,' however, varies on how the sociopath wants to be seen by the 'victim.' If we want to appear kind and giving, we take those emotions and reciprocate them to the 'victim.' If we want to appear strong, and leaderlike, we acknowledge the emotions, but don't show them ourselves, and if we want to appear cold, callous, and untouchable, we completely ignore the emotions, or otherwise show only contempt for the emotions. We will, however, readily take advantage of any emotion we see, whether by showing sympathy, tough love, or ignoring, our action will make the best out of the emotion no matter what.