Sounds to me more like he wanted attention and direction. Kids are curious and at a certain age want to get help and learn. A lot of parents today don't know how to parent or teach their kids what it takes to live. They're just stumbling through themselves because no one taught them, and it's easier without having to deal with a distraction.
I'd bet you ran into a curious kid looking for someone to guide him who just moved on when he didn't get it.
Not blaming you, it's really not yours to do, just my take based on the info you provided.