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There is a 3rd possibility.

Being the creator of the universe, Jesus expected the tree to recognize him (yes, I know that demands the tree to be conscious) and be prepared to deliver fruit. Why else would he curse the tree? He wouldn't curse the tree for merely being out of season.

As James Kugel says, there is much more, infinitely more, to the Word of God that appears on the surface.

Ancient rabbis scoured the Word for hidden meaning because they knew God's Word was perfect in every detail.

This reminds me of a scene in The Life of Brian. He is being chased by a bunch of people who want to worship him. In the process, he loses a sandal. When the crowd approaches the sandal, they stop, circle it, and one of them gingerly reaches down and picks it up. He holds it up and pontificates about the message in Brian removing one of his sandal. They all then remove one sandal and continue the chase.

i.e. sometimes the bible is more straightforward than we give it credit for.

Before one becomes tempted to form a doctrine or judgment based on this illustration, it would be wise to gain familiarity with fig culture. From merely a brief survey, the following facts may be found:

-- Fig trees usually bear 2 crops a year, the early season ("breba") fruits being inferior and frequently too acid, and only those of the second, or main, crop of economic value.

-- Fig trees are prone to attack by nematodes (especially Meloidogyne spp.) and, in the tropics, have been traditionally planted close to a wall or building so that the roots can go underneath and escape damage. A heavy mulch will serve equally well.

-- . There are also coleopterous insects of the genera Epitrix and Colaspis that perforate and severely damage the leaves and shoots. Scale insects include Asterolecanium sp. which attacks the bark of trees weakened by excessive humidity or prolonged drought, and the lesser enemy, Saissetia haemispherica

-- A common and widespread problem is leaf rust caused by Cerotelium fici; bringing about premature leaf fall and reducing yields. It is most prevalent in rainy seasons. Leaf spot results from infection by Cylindrocladium scoparium or Cercospora fici. Fig mosaic is caused by a virus and is incurable. Affected trees must be destroyed.

Don't rush to judgment on what is obvious to the Middle Eastern fruit farmer or consumer, but not to the Roman, Lutheran, Oxonian, or Yale theologian.

Breba figs resulting from the previous year's growth would normally have been available at the Passover time, especially in an intercalary year (which AD 33 was); but the sickness of a particular tree tree might have been obvious to Jesus and His companions, and worthy of felling before it infected others around it. (Now, that would invite a comparative application under the theme broached in Matthew 7:15-20 and similar passages.)

Be advised.