“Actually, the intelligence within the battery would probably recognize that and shut it off.”
Most 18650 cells have built-in current surge protection. I’m not clear if all do. It isn’t a microprocessor-based “intelligence” at this level, more of a chemical “fuse” and pressure release. There might be additional current management at the system level.
I shorted an 18650 in my desk drawer once
I was smelling nasty burning plastic but could not figure out where it came from the plastic flamed up and I am lucky nothing really bad happened