In case of verbs having the signification of the root ruc 'to like', the person or thing that is pleased or satisfied, is called sampradāna or recipient.,
The verbs having similar meaning (artha) as the word ruchi or 'liking' are रुच्यर्थ. A desire or longing caused by something else, is called ruchi. As देवदत्ताय रोचते मोदकः the sweet meat pleases Devadatta. यज्ञदत्ताय स्वदते ऽपूपः Yajnadatta likes Apupa. Here modaka is the agent that draws out the longing which is latent in Devadatta.
Why do we say 'the person pleased'? Observe देवदत्ताय रोचते मोदकः पथि. Devadatta likes modak in the way. The word pathi being in the 7th case.,