Being in a position where you can't do anything about your responsibilities is a big part of the fantasy. If you can do something but are just choosing not to; that doesn't provide emotional relief. You still get the anxiety, guilt, etc.

If you hole up in a Motel 6, then every minute you're there; you're choosing to not go to work, get a job, socialise, look after your kids, etc.

Not necessarily, one could skip paying for insurance, registration, inspections, license renewal, etc. for a few years and pay it all off with a month or so in jail.