recalcitrant

stubbornly resistant to authority or control

Kicking back; recalcitrating; hence, showing repugnance or opposition; refractory.

Latin recalcitrationem, from calcitrare to kick

“When you are in the enemy's country you are dependent on the activity and zeal of your spies and scouts, and the best of these--Polly Wheedle, to wit--had proved defective, recalcitrant even.”

— George Meredith, Complete Project Gutenberg Works of George Meredith

“This is how pecuniary compensation appeared for criminals the least recalcitrant and whose rehabilitation was deemed possible.”