This is really interesting.

In the same way that senses can be sharpened, when they accept some of the sensual load when a sense is absent, - Like the ability of hearing can improve, and to a point use brain space that was once allocated to sight. I wonder if there are associated brain functions where this can happen with empathy one way or another. If someone is determined to ignore their emotions, if another emotion,or brain function can fill the gap and make an ability to express emotion difficult? Perhaps asking the loaded question, Does greed or a determination to acquire goods/assets/power etc leave much room for empathy? It seems every aspect of thinking has a location, but our brains can only work so hard.