“If there is no real thoughtful or conscious plan or intention to kill but one kills habitually, does that differ regarding kamma-vipaka? My feeling is it does. ”
The whole idea of practicing Buddha Dhamma is to remove such bad habits.
– One kills (or steals, or misbehaves) out of habit BECAUSE one has cultivated those (even starting from previous lives).
– So, one needs to start getting rid of any such habit by being mindful.
“Sati in Ānapānasati/Satipatthāna – Two Meanings of Sati”
Also:
“9. Key to Anapanasati – How to Change Habits and Character (Gathi)“