Sometimes a strong gradient is destructive for a storm because it creates high wind velocities aloft, which rip the storm apart, or at least prevent it from realizing its full potential. Ever wonder why not all waves over 84 degree SSTs blossom into major hurricanes? There are other factors, aside from the baroclinic zone to consider with respect to storm development. The ultimate irony is how sensitive intense storms are to the surrounding envt....they not only need to be fueled at the surface, but nurtured aloft.