Thanks for bringing up this link Hillwalker, a sobering reminder that the Presidential Range in particular is more than just a walk in the park and is worth clicking on the link.
This brief paragraph from the site among many was noteworthy and sums up part of the reason for enforcing the negligent hiker law.:
Many people donate their time to assist in search and rescue efforts in the Presidential Range. These people are willing to put their own lives at risk in order to aid those who have become lost or hurt in the mountains. In not properly preparing for your adventure, you risk not only putting your own life and the lives of those with you in danger, but you also put at risk the lives of those who would attempt to help you. Please prepare carefully and thoroughly before you go out to seek your mountain adventure.