Amalickiah was an ambitious man. He had achieved his goal of becoming the king of the Lamanites, but his desire for expansion was not satisfied. As one who came from the land of Zarahemla, he knew that land, and thought to gain control of it also. It is perhaps not surprising that he should desire this, as our first picture of him is attempting to become king in the land of Zarahemla. It appears that that original desire did not diminish over time.