Lack of Remorse, Shame or Guilt

 A deep seated rage, which is split off and repressed, is at their core. Does not see others around them as people, but only as targets and opportunities. Instead of friends, they have victims and accomplices who end up as victims. The end always justifies the means and they let nothing stand in their way.

The sociopath always has a fire lit. During rough times, we'll have nothing but embers, but if smooth sailing lies ahead, we'll have a roaring blaze, just ready to create some chaos. This fire is representative of our anger, but it's also a sign of motivation and ambition. A sociopath wants to make a mark on this world, and will not sit idly by while the world is changing. Unfortunately, we understand that as individuals, our opinion means nothing to the world. So we become more than individuals. We create networks of people. We use, manipulate, con, and dupe people, so their actions assist in achieving our ever-increasing goals and ambitions. The end DOES always justify the means. None of the people who assist me in achieving my goals are really doing much otherwise, and if they get hurt or otherwise negatively impacted along the way, that's small beans next to the changes they're helping accomplish. Generally, however, our accomplices end up benefiting from our presence, not becoming victims. A sociopath is a shyster, and knows how to get the better deal, but even while he's ripping you off, he's helping you. What use would a bunch of torn down, destroyed, victimized accomplices be? We want you in good condition, set up in life, and on your way to the top. Just so long as you're behind us on our way to the top.
Regrets normally don't occur. We'll feign regret for sympathy, we'll feign guilt for an easier sentencing, or we'll feign shame for forgiveness, but these feelings are extremely rare, because we do what we do because we believe it's the right thing for us to do, and we'll rarely change our minds.