They are very much like sharks they have moods from placid inactivity to sparky and seasons breeding and warmth trigger them.
Tiger snakes will stand up and have a go,but if you give them an out or a hiding place they usually take it,occasionally they give chase like a dog would though.
Ive heard in India a giant Cobra that got whipped off a guy, went and got him in his hut later that night. I dont know if its true but reading that once the people were implying they have a memory like an Elephant if you miss treat them they never forget its you.:-\