Answer:
scapegoat theory.
Explanation:
Scapegoat theory: In social psychology, the term "scapegoat theory" is described as the propensity of an individual to blame another person for his or her problems i.e, it is a process that often leads to prejudice feelings with respect to another group or person that he or she blames. The scapegoat theory provides a platform to describe misdeeds or failures while carrying out an individual's positive "self-image"
In the question above, Richard's increasing prejudice is best explained in terms of the scapegoat theory.