The Great Gatsby

The Great Gatsby, malevolence

Could you please tell me if the word "malevolence" in the following excerpt from the chapter tree of The great Gatsby means "unwillingness" or "spite", "ill will", "malice"?

The wives were sympathizing with each other in slightly raised voices.

“Whenever he sees I’m having a good time he wants to go home.”

(...)

In spite of the wives’ agreement that such malevolence was beyond credibility the dispute ended in a short struggle and both wives were lifted kicking into the night.

Thank you.

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Last updated by Aslan
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There is a kind of spite and ill-will towards the idea of husbands wanting to leave while the wives are having a good time. All of your terms work to describe "malevolence" in this context although I think "spite" would be the strogest.