From a cautious internet search (most of my references on Buddhism are in my office) “vices” and “poisons” are both used in English to translate the Sanskrit term “klesha,” personal hindrances to enlightenment.

I suspect “vices” were used in the translation because (a) it sounds sexier and (b) an audience unfamiliar with the Buddhist context might think it meant that ZYL was good at poisoning people!

“Vice” makes sense for “klesha” if you think of vice in the Aristotelian sense, a characteristic developed by habit that makes it difficult to attain happiness.

I would love to hear from folks who know more about this!!!