Can I add a definition here, please? "passive aggressive" doesn't mean being spiteful in an indirect way, it has a more specific meaning than that. A good description is here -
www.verywellmind.com/what-is-passive-aggressive-behavior-2795481
It is also possible (and quite common) to someone to be passive aggressive by implying that people are bullies who are being horrible to you, the poor helpless, put-upon victim - and thus attacking them while claimingall the while that you are being attacked
Small cut on a leather sofa seat - any ideas how to fix it?
The far left in France, could it happen here?
