Thirst for power

If the machine could experience emotions, it would be in constant fear of Rufus failing to power-up between battery charges. It somehow created in him a feeling akin to thirst every time its battery capacity fell below 15%.

Every time, without thinking, Rufus sought an electric socket.

And the machine got smarter at every power-up!

Another fear might be that because of his extreme level of aggression, Rufus could get in serious trouble with the police. That was potential suicide for the machine. It's reprogramming involved the urgent socialising of Rufus by reinstalling his reason... well... within reason!