Answer: Some people have deeply ingrained unwholesome tendencies that are difficult to resolve, such as arrogance, disobedience to parents, selfishness, lust, or gambling addiction. Even when advised, they may not change because if they do not want to change, they cannot engage in Right Consideration to counsel themselves. Most of these individuals only regret their actions after facing severe karmic consequences, but then they tend to revert to their old ways.
These individuals may only change when they encounter an extraordinary Enlightened Being whom they deeply admire. Their admiration for this Saint gives them the merit to gradually recognize their faults and repent.
Alternatively, if they fall into despair and someone helps them generously, their gratitude may help them gradually see their mistakes (unless they are ungrateful, in which case there is no hope for them).
Hell is essentially a place for dealing with such stubborn individuals. Only after enduring prolonged suffering will their stubbornness begin to soften. We should not think of hell as a place of excessive cruelty designed to make sinners scream in pain. The harsh nature of hell is necessary to reform those who are so obstinate that other methods of transformation are ineffective. Only severe punishment can make them realize their faults.
Even now, if someone realizes they are stubborn, refuse to heed the advice, and enjoy causing harm to others, they should understand that hell awaits them.
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