Here is another take I have. I'm just using random numbers to paint a picture,
So say market value for Mal & Rory's role on the podcast is 50K - Joe is paying them 250K. - So much more than they are worth. So much more than they contribute or even put back in to the business and podcast.
That is why Joe is offended at the audacity to question him.
Here is the problem. Based on the books, Mal & Rory SHOULD be getting paid 350K. Where is that extra 100K? Without saying it directly, I've inferred that extra 100K was used as a vehicle to further the Joe Budden Network. From Joe's perspective, taking that 100K will lead him to being able to pay Mal & Rory 500K. This is his long game argument. This is where he believes his genius is. This is why he doesn't see anything wrong because his intention by skimming off the top is to make even more money for EVERYBODY.
While dishonest - The intent behind it is altruistic in a twisted world. The public can see this as greed from my Mal & Rory. They can see this as greed from Joe. I guess it depends on how you feel emotionally about either side.
That is why they began to lose trust for Joe - This is what Joe is not comprehending.
That is the rift. That is why this is such a nuanced disagreement.
I believe Park's understands this. Mal is all about principles that Joe doesn't respect in business. Rory is just on his last leg of accepting the disrespect and dishonesty.