Some would say that this is their imagination.

I resist plot elements that my empathy doesn't like, to the point that I will imagine alternate endings to particularly unfortunate stories.

This does not weird me out. They use parts of their brain to simulate characters brains. They use another part of their brain to write a plot they themselves like. Why should the simulated character necessarily like it? If they have good simulation skills - and if not they will never write memorable characters - this is perfectly expected...