What bothers me more than what you actually did, was your smug and arrogant response. Lots of people respond that way too when they they've done something really wrong and don't want to give into the shame (especially when it's public). I can only hope that's what is going on with you because if not, then you are truly devoid of any conscience.
You aimed all of your frustration with all of the flakes you've encountered on just a few unfortunate souls. This guy ruined a few hours of your time, you may have ruined his life and he didn't deserve it. And did you stop to think at all not only about the dire consequences for him - both professionally and personally, but the serious collateral damage you may have cause as well? He could have children.
We ALL get frustrated with flakes whether there's some sort of transaction or not. I understand it must be all that more frustrating when those experiences aren't just limited to some weekends like it is with most of us 9-5'ers - and it's made all that more frustrating when that's how you pay your bills. However, I have news for you. We ALL experience the same kind, and same level of frustration in our own careers sometimes - be it not knowing that someone ordered the wrong part for an important project until it was too late or having finance upstairs lose your paperwork even though you emailed it, faxed it, and hand carried it. And what makes us professionals, is how we respond to it, not by throwing a tantrum and taking all of our toys home.
I agree with what OliverSaks said "
Yeah, like charging a deposit with whatever conditions you choose. Otherwise, if you're getting so frustrated in this career that you can't problem solve and instead invoke the nuclear option, perhaps you should think about doing something else.
Finally, you don't know me, so I don't really expect you to care or respect what I say, but it seems there are a lot of people on here who think fondly of you and were surprised by your actions. Look, you fucked up - and fucked up kind of really bad. So I hope you'll at least hear them.