As understood today, empathy may be a luxury afforded only to those who do not have to make tough decisions. For “tough decisions” are decisions the consequence of which will be painful to others (although not harmful to others—an important distinction). The focus on “need fulfillment” that so often accompanies an emphasis on empathy leaves out the possibility that what another may really “need” (in order to become more responsible) is not to have their needs fulfilled.
