In real life, I can't handle seeing someone else in pain. I sometimes get actual, physical, sympathy pains when other people hurt, and it's not pleasant.
I even experience this in fiction, especially when writing it. I was working on a story where a character got struck in the jaw so hard it broke her tooth-- and had a jaw ache the whole morning. I've suffered limps from a character spraining an ankle. (I'm not crazy-- I have fibromyalgia, and muscle tensions cause me pain. I imagine the impact, tense, and there I am) Maybe that is why I appreciate heroes who can bear physical hurt with courage? It's nice to have a good example of how to bear up, even if from time to time I exacerbate myself through having too good an imagination.
IMO the difference between liking something in fiction or fantasy and liking it (or even condoning it) in reality is a large and important one.
True! I actually enjoy watching some of Servalan's murders, but IRL, I'd be horrified.