There is definitely an element of "find the edges of the simulation" / "learn the system better" / "see everything" in a lot of these, along with just enjoying a spectacle.
E.g. in Kerbal Space Program I often "reset" bad airplane flights by crashing into the ground as fast as I can, or one of the space center buildings if I'm nearby. I could just hit esc and reset and be back faster, but then I don't see an explosion, nor have a chance to see messed up physics breaking the universe. I've also coordinated orbital collisions to do the same, but there it's more because it's extremely challenging to achieve at any reasonable velocity.
I have no desire to crash real planes or blow up space stations though. The closest that gets to the real world is "I like fireworks".