>because it's much more comforting to the ego to think that you're that important and special and talented that literally everyone and everything is out to make you specifically fail

Exactly. It is definitely egotistical, but hey, we are the center of our own universe! :D

>and never with the full on religious zeal that they were actually exhibiting?

When people look back at how they behaved, they will white-wash over their poor and justify it away as the norm. 

>Have you ever been met with a pure rage tantrum when you've prodded someone to actually think about this?

I have often been met with tantrums - I annoy people no end....

>Some of us are more likely to not do it specifically because we got told to, with increased resistance if it was someone in authority x_x

For better or worse. I don't like being told what to do... for better *and* worse.

She is recovering, but there is something else that requires some "checking into" with the doctor. Nothing serious.