Fishing

Why do people fish for information?  Why don't they just ask?  Are they chicken? Embarrassed? The reason is I find out my ex is now fishing for information about me and what's going on.. mind you he knew my mom had passed away a while ago and has said NOTHING about it.. no sympathy card, no I'm sorry it didn't work out between us but I heard about your Mom and I'm sorry your going through this.. how hard is that?  This just proves that he's an ass who only cares about himself and never gives a damn about anyone else!