Mr. White first shows fear of the paw because it?

From the text:

A fine crash from the piano greeted the words, interrupted by a shuddering cry from the old man. His wife and son ran toward him.

"It moved," he cried, with a glance of disgust at the object as it lay on the floor.

"As I wished, it twisted in my hand like a snake."

Mr. White first shows fear of the monkey paw when he goes to test its magic but when he makes his wish he says, “As I wished, it twisted in my hand like a snake.”.