The phrase "were loath" refers to a feeling of reluctance or hesitation. There are many synonyms for this phrase, including unwilling, disinclined, averse, reluctant, hesitant, and resistant. Each of these words describes a similar feeling of not being fully comfortable or willing to do something.
When someone is "were loath" to do something, they may have ethical or personal objections to the action in question. They may also have concerns about the consequences of their actions, or simply lack the desire to do it. Whatever the reason, it is important to find words that accurately describe this state of mind in order to fully convey the emotions and motivations of the person in question.