I think it's very human to see G-d as out to get you. I was raised around people who were all about the negative aspects of deity, and I've seen a lot of it in the Pagan community as well.

If you're an atheist you jettison that part; you get out of that particular game. Of course, if you're an atheist, then you're tempted to replace a judgemental, abusive deity whom you cannot confront, with negative, sadistic aspects of the world which you cannot confront.