A 29-year-old male presents for evaluation after being mandated by his employer following a workplace incident in which he threw a computer monitor during a minor disagreement. He reports a pattern of recurrent outbursts over the past 18 months involving verbal tirades and destruction of property that are grossly out of proportion to the provocation. He describes these episodes as impulsive rather than premeditated, and he feels remorseful afterward. Outbursts occur approximately 3 times per week and last less than 30 minutes. He denies a history of deliberate aggression for personal gain, substance use, or head injury. He has no history of manic episodes, and his mood between outbursts is euthymic. What diagnostic criterion is most essential to establish?