I agree, there are people like this everywhere. IMO it usually involves some kind of arrogance: they believe they can do no wrong, and indeed, people don't challenge them, often because everyone just wants to get along. Lawyers, teachers, soldiers, spies, it doesn't matter, there are always bad apples turning up, who go too far in flouting professional ethics and decent behaviour - the good news is when they are caught and weeded out.
But IMO, they are the opposite of minions acting for a boss in a larger conspiracy. IMO they are entirely self-directed, acting out of their own sense of self-importance, missing out entirely on the big picture and the damage they may be causing.
Say, a school teacher caught flirting with students - would this person be acting on orders from the school superintendent determined to undermine kids? Or a massage therapist who gets too handsy - is that person acting under orders to groom his victims for some massive sex trafficking ring?
JMO