Totally with you on everything, except the highlighted part. I seriously doubt this cat actually THINKS much at all, ever. Chalk it up to youth, a big dose of testosterone fueled bravado and that unwritten, wink-wink, everything is fine attitude athletes of his caliber get from the instant they start competing that makes them believe everything they do is, in fact, fine and will be OK, no matter what.
Until you pass 3 cars, uphill in a no passing zone, hit another driver head on and, reality check, everything ISN'T fine.
For years I have been preaching to my kids, now 18 and 22, to please, please, please try to stop and think of the consequences of what they are considering doing, even for a few seconds, before they do it. Even that quick self-check might avert a disaster (at least I hope - fingers crossed).