Although charming, Mr Ospel, say many, is a ruthless boss who discards people once they have served his purposes.

ECONOMIST: The travails of UBS

The snakeheads are probably the most ruthless and businesslike of the people-smugglers.

BBC: More

Many fall into the hands of ruthless and well-armed people-smuggling gangs as they try to make their way to Israel or Egypt in search of a better life.

BBC: Sinai torture for Eritreans kidnapped by traffickers

So my advice to people in trouble is turn into a ruthless negotiator and understand that if you can't make those monthly payments, if you miss one or two, you're probably going to lose your home.

FORBES: Intelligent Investing

The article argued that Jobs' example has created two camps of people: those who want to emulate his ruthless, idiosyncratic business style, and those who are turned off by his failings as a father and a human.

CNN: How Steve Jobs' legacy has changed

People who've fled the Mai Mai say they're ruthless rebels with magical powers.

NPR: Rogue Militia Terrorizes Southeast Congo

In some places, at least, ruthless monitoring of poultry flocks has reduced both the avian disease and the (already rare) cases of people becoming infected.

ECONOMIST: Bird flu and public health