Crossword Genius

Escapee at Sodom hard and reluctant (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

loth

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'reluctant' is the definition.
(if you are loth to do something you are reluctant)

'escapee at sodom hard' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite see how this works, but
'hard' could be 'h' (abbreviation used in pencil classifications) and 'h' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'lot' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

'and' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for loth that I've seen before include "Reluctant or disinclined" , "Reluctant or averse" , "Reluctant, unwilling" , "Not keen" , "Unwilling to obey" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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