I think this is super insightful. I have seen what you’re describing as “a sense of justice” play out a few times and it rarely ends well. I’d like to hear more if you’re willing.

My thoughts are that the person feeling slighted is feeling like they are investing more into the friendship than the other and it’s painful to realize- and since it’s probably happened to them before they realize they’re in the cycle OPs image detailed and start to pull back their energy to test the friendship. If the friend stops reaching back then it’s taken as confirmation that it was a one way thing.