The speaker's belief matters in analyzing figurative predication. Earlier lessons explained why the expressions “عند المتكلم” (according to the speaker) and “في الظاهر” (on the face of it) affect classifications of genuine attribution.
Some judgments about agency are not derived from pure logic alone, but also from conventional linguistic usage. If speakers normally use a verb in a certain way, an analyst cannot label it metaphorical solely because of a personal impression.
Order of analysis:
1. Identify the verb's established meaning.
2. Identify the grammatical subject.
3. Examine intent, belief and contextual indications.
4. Only then decide how literal or figurative the predication is.