Rationalization is a defence mechanism (ego defence) in which people justify difficult or unacceptable feelings with seemingly logical reasons and explanations. For example, a student who is rejected from her dream college may explain that she's happy to be attending a school that's less competitive and more welcoming. The same is with the tale of the Fox and the sour grapes too.   A pparent logical reasons are given to justify behaviour that is motivated by unconscious insti