On the surface, it's a healthy way to take the high road in the face of unethical people or competition.
Competition is one thing, but being driven by acrimony is another. It's a balance that unfortunately forces even the most starry-eyed dreamers into another level of maturity.
The saddest park of growing up is indeed growing up - learning how to be more discrete, covert, secretive, protective, careful, and all the other spy qualities just to play by the rules of the adult world. To retain your childlike wonder in an adult body is quite the miracle.
The more creative a person is, the more their greatest strengths can also cause them the most pain to achieve this balance. Let pain drive you, forgive but don't forget, remember but don't live there.
We all have to define our terms including success. The relief is, as you mind your own business, and focus on innovation, you're less defensive and your imagination can thrive. It compounds into success.
Keep reflecting just the same: If success is the best revenge, how much revenge do you want? Will you work beyond what is necessary just for the principle of it or will you lose sight of your original motivation?