The evil, ominous result of action (karma) that is not in accordance with dharma, the universal values and laws.

Thus, A-dharmic action later (currently invisible) gives a (potentially) unpleasant result (pāpa), which is currently invisible. In other words, every action has an effect. If not immediately, then later.

This can be on an individual level as well as on a collective level. Pāpa karma of humanity is a deteriorating living environment. Poor air quality to breathe, ecological degradation, increasing scarcity. They should be signals enough to collectively change our behavior towards an 'economy of enough'.

Pāpa is meant to be learned from. This is an important point. This is the point. For a human being, the universe is a meaningful field to learn from.

On an individual level: can I, as a person, receive īśvara's results as a gift, to learn to attune myself to his honest creation, to become mature and fit for the knowledge that leads to freedom.

Pāpa can be quite directly visible (dṛṣṭa phala). If I slap someone, I get one back. It can also be adṛṣṭa phala (not directly visible). These are the bad things that happen to us in this life or even in future lives. Most of the time, they are inexplicable, and we feel injustice. We call it, the ominous fate. It is better to ask myself if I feel bad, or sad, why do I feel this way? Is it really pāpa, or is there a flaw in the thinking that is shown to me? With this attitude I can start an evolution of thinking towards wisdom.

Because I live in ignorance of īśvara, and the true nature of īśvara, as I live in ignorance of myself, life is simply full of suffering, disasters, diseases and finiteness. I find god, īśvara, the giver of results (karma phala dātṛ), then partial (vaiṣamya) or ruthless (nairghṛṇya). But that's a ridiculous idea. Things are the way they are for a reason. We need to develop complete trust. Everything that empirical reality is, is a changeable order that proceeds according to perfect laws, which are completely neutral. Laws of karma are also neutral. No dharma in mind in action -> a lesser result. This is very difficult to understand for a subjective being like an average person. All I have to do is accept what comes with devotion and gratitude (karma yoga). That already makes me very happy and light.

Note: If I don't feel sorry for myself and others, I can better approach and help 'others' with empathy and compassion.

All in all, these insights encourage you to live in gratitude, acceptance and surrender. And then learn: What can I do better next time to grow as a person, suitable for knowledge. And it also shows that mercy (kṛpā or anugraha) has to be earned.