Whether you like it or not. If we look past 21st century culture and look back upon history...
- Caesar (killed/enslaved 1 million+ gauls)
- Augustus (killed anyone who posed a political threat, killed a lot in general)
- Genghis Khan (killed... well, he killed a lot)
- Napoleon (got hundreds of thousands of people from every European nation killed)
- The list goes on.
Name one famous historical figure who had power of some sort who didn't do anything "jerk-like".
The problem with the "jerk" definition is that the author nor most people have ever been in a position of great power. He does not understand how difficult and stressful it is to be the CEO of a big company or a top political leader.
I believe that in a position of great power, the power holder is forced to do some "jerk-like" things. You gotta make harsh decisions.
E.g. if Augustus didn't kill off all his political opponents (including Caesar's supposed only biological son), it is likely Rome will be thrown into more civil war.
Every guy has a "jerk" inside of them, and when put into a stressful situation, they are capable of using it.