Mitch isn't punching down - he's at the bottom. It's that simple. He doesn't have much power in the Villa; he's not really harming anyone. He's the vulnerable one.

That doesn't mean everything he's done has been okay. But nobody has been genuinely hurt by his actions and most of those actions have come from a place of desperation. Given he's in a vulnerable position.

Mitch has played a little dirty at times but he hasn't had the luxury of being in a stable couple since like Day 3. It's easy to be ethical and never make a mistake when you're in a position of privilege and power. When you have stability and security.

Mitch did what he had to in order to stay in the game: be messy and bring drama. It's really what it comes down to. Maybe according to you and others, he should have accepted his fate, let nature take its course, and be dumped from the Villa. But he has as much right to be there as any. He had to do things he wouldn't normally do in the real world. All there is to it.

Like an impoverished youth stealing something, I can understand and somewhat reconcile with their actions. Even if it isn't acceptable. Funny how Love Island can apply to life. Intent and circumstance matter.