Maybe you should take a better look at dictionary definitions of degenerate. There is likely only a stark difference in your own mind because of the term being normalised in your experience.
Just like Rudy has likely grown up with slaves in existence in this world. Which is bound to have normalised that for him.
Just remember how long he’s lived in this world now. And use that to put things in perspective
Yea, I was hoping it wasn’t a shallow reason like that. Hopefully it serves another purpose later.