What does the term 'refractory' imply about a person or thing?

The term 'refractory' is typically used to describe someone or something that is stubbornly resistant to authority, control, or regulation. When a person is referred to as refractory, it suggests that they are not easily managed or influenced, often exhibiting defiance in response to commands or expectations. In a broader context, the word can also apply to materials, particularly those that are difficult to melt or work with due to their high resistance to heat, further emphasizing its connotation of resistance and obstinacy.

The other options suggest traits such as cooperation, openness to change, and adaptability, which directly contrast with the essence of being refractory. Those traits imply a willingness to comply and adjust, which is antithetical to the idea of being resistant or unmanageable. The chosen answer accurately captures the fundamental essence of the term.