The quote, "You can't stamp on a man's corns when he's got his feet cut off," from Jim Thompson's novel "The Killer Inside Me," speaks to the futility of tormenting someone who has already suffered significant loss or hardship. It suggests that once a person has reached a certain level of suffering, any further attempts to belittle or harm them become meaningless. The imagery evokes a sense of empathy, urging readers to recognize the limitations of pain infliction when the victim is already at their lowest point.

This line encapsulates a deeper commentary on the nature of cruelty and power dynamics. It emphasizes how those in positions of power may overlook the ongoing suffering of others, failing to understand that their actions lack impact when the individual has already faced profound adversity. Overall, the quote prompts reflection on human resilience and the often misguided attempts to assert dominance over those who have been severely wounded by life’s challenges.