This is an attitude that employers work hard to cultivate. I don't think it's healthy for workers to 'work his ass off' for a company that isn't willing to reward those efforts. It's a weakness and employers will take advantage.
a company that isn't willing to reward those efforts.
What I'm talking about is not some sort of self-sacrifice, selling yourself into corporate slavery. It's the basics of what I would look for in an employee - is he going to work hard, do it without complaining - is he going to make my life easier or harder? Unfortunately people with a notably entitled what's-in-it-for-me attitude only make employer's lives more difficult.
Not saying that that's for sure what this guy was like btw, but that's the impression I get.