I knew a woman once that made a special dessert. I asked for the recipe and she wouldn't share. I googled the ingredients and found the recipe on allrecipes.com I made that dessert and altered it a bit. She tried it and loved it and said I made it better than her! I only wanted the recipe, not to "steal" anything she did.
As far as a pattern goes, I don't know why this lady wouldn't share. My dear mil had a friend like that and I couldn't understand the big secret. Probably she was just in a bad mood. I am sorry though.