Final answer:
Public hated Ismay for boarding a lifeboat and surviving the Titanic disaster, while being seen as neglecting his duty to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Step-by-step explanation:
The public animosity towards J. Bruce Ismay, the chairman of White Star Line, arose from his actions during the sinking of the Titanic. Ismay survived the disaster by boarding a lifeboat, and his actions were seen as cowardly, especially as many passengers and crew remained on the sinking ship. It was widely believed that as a high-ranking official, he should have adhered to the maritime tradition of "women and children first," and ultimately, "the captain goes down with the ship." This perception of self-preservation at the expense of others led to public outrage and his subsequent infamy.