Gromov is very interesting to the Doctor, who finds him extremely engaging.  They talk on an intellectual level that is higher than most others. Even though Gromov is mad he is still quite intelligent. The doctor seems to want to help Gromov the most out of all his patients and changes his habits. People begin to worry about the way the doctor is acting.  The conversations are extremely long and discuss philosophical subjects like death and punishment.  The Doctor wishes to understand why he suddenly pushed him away.  He wants to understand the mind of Gromov.  The doctor peruses this interesting psychological case.