The most vexing type of villain is that which knows its own evil. The Party of 1984, for instance, is jarring in its philosophy because it recognizes that it acts for its own benefit. By the same token, Iago of Shakespeare's Othello is one of the most desirable parts in literature. In part, this is due to the variety of facades that Iago utilizes, but it is also, in part, due to his recognition of his own villainy. He even states that he is entirely self-interested, that "[he] follow[s] but [him]self" (I.i.64). Thus, his first, instinctual thought is to act in his own self-interest rather than that of his state and of society - and that he recognizes this makes him an unusual evil, since most evil believes, at heart, that it is doing good.
This does not, however, mean that he does not believe that his actions are justified in vengeance. Firstly, Othello did not choose him as his lieutenant; instead he chose "a great arithmetician, / One Michael Cassio" (I.i.20-21). Iago feels that he is better-suited for the position of second-in-command, and that Othello should therefore have chosen him. Secondly, his racist opinions cause him to think poorly of Othello, despite all respect he may have - he states that "Moors are changeable in their wills," and so does not hold respect for Othello's personal virtue despite his acknowledgement of his capacity as a general. Thirdly, Iago states, "it is thought abroad that 'twixt my sheets / 'Has done my office," meaning that he believes Othello has slept with his wife (I.iii.430-431). Although it may appear to be a reason for Iago's anger, the fact that Othello stole the woman that Roderigo, a friend of Iago, as declared when Iago stated "I have professed me thy friend," sought to marry is irrelevant to Iago's decision - Iago is not so considerate as to think of his friend's feelings (I.iii.379-380).
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