This is a little off topic, but I think it relates on a deeper level. And actually, makes me want to read Patricia McConnell's For the Love of a Dog again, haha. My roommate and I were discussing the other day things our dogs do that seem to suggest they are capable of spite.
Toby has a way of asking to get into my bed by resting his head on the edge of it, looking at me out of the corner of his eye and wagging his tail. If I deny him, he goes to his crate (also in my bedroom) and starts huffing and puffing, turning, pulling his blankets up, fluffing his pillows before finally laying down with a huge sigh. He doesn't do this if he goes to his bed on his own (which is often), the only time he makes such a scene is when I won't let him in my bed.
As far as other dogs are concerned, it seems to me that once Toby has had an experience with a dog during a day, he is more likely to snap back into that mindset very quickly. I wouldn't say that Chip had to do anything to provoke Inara, she knew exactly which dog he was and was perhaps she decided to take initiative the next time she was near him to keep him away, since he had snarked first last time. Sort of a "you started it last time, this time stay away from me." I am by no means an expert, haha, but this is what I see it as.