Why is that?
Her character was written with a completely irrational obsession with his character. He almost delighted in telling her Fanny meant more to him than she ever would or could. And that only made her want him more?
Men simply cannot fathom this kind of obsession. At least I cannot. Especially when you have men of unqualified integrity also pursuing her. I could not feel any sympathy toward Bathsheba as a result.
Democracy is the pathetic belief in the collective wisdom of individual ignorance. H.L. Mencken

Women like men with self confidence, something bad boys usually have in abundance.

it's very stressful she gets to have alan Bates, Peter finch, and terence Stamp all after her. enough to turn any woman's head. You could easily go mad having to choose between those three.