This is completely normal behavior for a child his age.

No, it isn't. He's old enough to know the significance of candles on a cake. He's also old enough to understand that it isn't his birthday party. He doesn't care, he wants the attention, just like all kids do.

The thing that distinguishes this little ass hole from normal, disciplined children is to ability to not act upon those impulses. Every child on earth wants the spotlight to be on them instead of someone else, but that doesn't mean you need to act upon those impulses. The fact he tried suggests his parents often times give in and give him the attention he wants, any time he demands it.