I think the best way to understand that kind of reaction is to think in terms of "temper tantrums". You get them when the little person involved is so used to having their own way in everything they can't deal with frustration. You've got to be patient, and never lose your temper, but not give way. And it's a good idea to see if you can distract them somehow - tickle their toes to make them laugh, for example.

Of course, when it isn't a little person, but someone who is very much stronger than everybody else in sight, it is trickier, but I think the same approach is appropriate...