[IkmoIkmo]

I mean, yes, that's possible, it's also possible there are some cognitive limitations that have a substantial impact. I've certainly breezed through a lot of things in school and work that I thought was boring, that others struggled with. I'm far from a genius, perhaps in the smartest 25% quartile, that's all. But we shouldn't discount the fact that there'll be some in the least 25% quartile who have different experiences, regardless of their interest level.

Yes, perseverance really matters, and that comes either from interest or grit. But it's not always enough. It can be a lot of fun practising guitar for 8 hours a day if, after a few months, you feel you're making some progress. It's not fun, if even after a few months of long hours of practice, you forgot the concepts from the beginning. Passion only goes so far, we shouldn't romanticise failure too much. Sometimes it just isn't a good fit and sometimes that's because of limitations.

That having been said, not trying to dismiss your point, it could very well be that the person is intellectually capable enough, but just doesn't think programming is fun. But I wouldn't take that as a given and in all honestly, it doesn't seem like the most likely case either.