What was Scrooge's motivation for the way he acted prior to the visits from the ghosts?

Even as Scrooge wished to become wealthy by working constantly, underpaying his employees and cutting corners, his treatment of his fellow humans is rooted in more than sheer desire for riches. We learn that his youth was a disaffected one, and that he was lonely as a child (partly why he identifies with Tiny Tim). We also learn that the love of his life left him when she believed he would continue to become dispassionate...

Even as Scrooge wished to become wealthy by working constantly, underpaying his employees and cutting corners, his treatment of his fellow humans is rooted in more than sheer desire for riches. We learn that his youth was a disaffected one, and that he was lonely as a child (partly why he identifies with Tiny Tim). We also learn that the love of his life left him when she believed he would continue to become dispassionate in his pursuit of money and success.

Scrooge seems to be determined to exercise control over others; his love of wealth is a love of possessing the concept of the work and resources of others, but he does nothing to enjoy that wealth, or the leisure time he has earned through decades of toil. Hearing himself being spoken ill of after his death is a wake-up call; he had not realized he was so disliked and this hurts him deeply. His greatest regret, after the ghosts put things into perspective, is that he has wasted so much of his life, and that regret washes away in an instant when he decides immediately to improve his situation. He spends his money, gives to those less fortunate, and decides to indulge in worldly pleasures for the good of others. He wishes to shower Bob Cratchit and his family with gratitude and kindness. He is redeemed by the realization that it is never too late to be a good person, to show generosity and compassion to others.