Most consider themselves able to make the same decision under difficult circumstances. But in reality it’s hard to make the right decision everytime.
When you’re confronted with a situation were your standing on top of the reward, it’s harder for people to turn around. After a long skin or hike, the desire to ski the line they have travelled a long way for is high.
For the less inexperienced turning around is the last thing on there mind. This is were people tend to get there selfs into the situation, by making the wrong decision, because of the desire.