Guys who act tough and back down when confronted

Societal programming, OP. Rarely do they have the confidence or combat training to back it up.

You mean bullies? like Trump, for example? Not necessarily a male or straight thing. Just a bully thing. If confronted, that's what they do. Then act like a wounded animal.

It really seems lately, at least in my Canadian city, that there are a lot of these loudmouth guys who pop off until you get in their face and suddenly they have nothing to say.

I drive for a living and for me this used to be a yearly occurrence, having to deal with an asshole like this, but lately it's happening more often.

Is it me? Do I attract verbal abuse?

No idea.

Either trying to stay out of jail or afraid of getting sued.