Hello Robin
Needy can mean both, for example:
1. A needy person - someone who is vulnerable and needs assistance or to be cared for. This person may be of below average intelligence and lack basic social or practical skills.
2. A needy person - someone who is demanding of others, often described as 'high maintenance'; this person can be selfish and self-centred, a negative person who needs regular attention to feel important about themselves.