The slaves were 'ruthlessly' abused by their owners.
The journalist was 'ruthless' in his criticism.
a 'ruthless' killer
(..) That portfolio contains codes to all the cage doors? And two minutes after they' re changed, he's got them. You guys really can pick them. This guy's as smart as he is ruthless. Last guy he caught cheating, he not only sent up for years... ...he seized his house and bankrupted his-- (..)2001 Ocean's Eleven