I've met some employers who dangle these sorts of things in front of people, probably telling themselves that they are being sincere, but when the time comes to deliver there's always a new goalpost. They have the same motivation as any manipulator, to take from you as much time and energy as you can be cajoled into giving.

Obviously I wasn't there, but that would be my suspicion. GP responded to being shamed appropriately. There are times in my life when I have been the sucker who feels compelled to double down. Perhaps it's a form of sunk cost falacy.

Her position was due to nepotism, I believe, and so her personality problems weren't disqualifying. The other person who cleaned trays was a kind of diversity hire, an adult with the maturity of a four year old or so. So I don't think "motivated employee does good work" was in her common experience. The bakers and cooks knew to keep their heads down around her. I was playing in the U.S. Open (chess) at the time, so I welcomed some time off (and then pursued other work).