I see Joffery and Ramsay to be similar characters. They're both sick bastards (Ramsay more than Joffery) but only Joffery is a cunt for this reason: His cruel actions have no reason behind it or at least not something that sounds reasonable (Pretty much everything besides "Just because"). The only time I recall seeing a good reason for one of Joffery's actions was him ordering... (Not sure if the show went over it)
He tried to impress or gain some acknowledgement from Robert. Everything else was him being a cunt. Contrast this with Ramsay actions. His reasons are mostly, oddly enough, similar to Joffery's only reasonable action... to gain the approval of his dad (Roose). However, that is not the reason I think that people like him more than Joffery.
Its Theon. Theon the backstabbing son of a bitch, who's actions to, oh hey, gain the acceptance of his dad and family caused Winterfell to burn and in ways caused Robb's campaign to go to shit which led to the Red Wedding. Most show watchers (Hell, book readers too) would wish more than death to Theon and well, they got it and then some with Ramsay dealing Theon. Theon isn't even Theon anymore. He's Reek and that rhymes with meek.
Hopefully soon we'll see more of Ramsay depravity and then maybe show watchers can say "I want off of this revenge train...".