It’s possible, but that sort of reasoning could “forgive” a lot of leaders who had this sort of scandal on their watch. For example, “Is it possible that a person could be so wrapped up in running an archdiocese while leading a conservative celibate life that he wouldn’t comprehend what was going on with the Father xxx and the little boys?”
You make the assumption that no one told the bishop in your example. For sake of the argument, would the bishop be responsible for any subsequent abuse after being told.
No sane person would hold Paterno’s, or your hypothetical bishop, responsble for things that went on without their knowledge. But once they are told of the accusations, the buck falls at their feet.
I believe that is a fair way to look at it.
I know some bishops were told...and I would guess that Paterno’s was told and dismissed it.
Just my two cents.