Sure, but what about this other thing?

And, of course, the causal claim is absurd. Japan's intensity of will resulted in the destruction of somewhere around 50% (!) of its urban area in 1944-45, for example. Even so: this stupid idea seems pretty widespread and responsible for lots of horror.

Such a will would do whatever it takes (including violating stringent moral duties). Thus: a military commander might order their solders to commit outrages in order to demonstrate (and also constitute) maximum will.

It might also have been motivated by a certain conception of how social groups affect outcomes - i.e., by willing them with maximum intensity. To will with maximum intensity would entail willing unconditionally and wholeheartedly.

The story is that they did this so that the Carthaginians could expect no mercy from the Romans and would fight with to the death, thereby increasing the probability of a Carthaginian victory.

During one of the Roman sieges of Carthage, the Carthaginians ordered their soldiers to commit outrages against captured Roman soldiers on the walls of the city - in full view of the besieging Roman troops. Why?

Likert?! I hardly even knowert!