It's shown by one looking for scraps (12)
I believe the answer is:
belligerence
'scraps' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I don't see how they can define each other.
I don't understand the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for belligerence that I've seen before include "Aggression" , "Aggressiveness" , "Pugnacity" , "Aggressive behaviour" , "sabre-rattling" .)