Punching down

To insult or abuse someone for being lesser in some way (usually objectively) than yourself.

For someone of higher rank, power, status, and position to engage someone of much lesser and/or inferior rank, status, power, and position in debate and/or argument. Not limited to just status, power, position, and rank but can and often do include intellect, capability, competence, and acumen.

Making a choice that is beneath your personal level of acceptance or standard.