The creators of this universe Perumal and Piratti are not like any ordinary parents. It appears that they have set certain regulations. They grant us birth based upon our karmas. We take birth, enjoy, and suffer according to our karmas.
Similarly, they have set regulations on protection as well. They protect as per karma – if we surrender, then the protection is absolute otherwise it is ‘aprartitho na gopayet’.
If they did not set this regulation, then no being will be under any harm. But a jeevan has to undergo whatever is in store based on karma. To escape from the heat, one must resort to proper means like saranagati so that Bhagavan shall protect. We call him the merciful because he protects us by accepting our mere saranagati.
These are the regulations stipulated by Bhagavan for his creation, protection and salvation. Scriptures have mentioned about this. Books like Tatva Mukta Kalapam provide elaborate details.