Rashi on Daf 15a states that Achashverosh did not have in mind to destroy the Jews. Isn't this inconsistent with the Gemorah in the beginning with the dirt and the ditch and the other Gemoros there?
Avrohom Adler, usa
Rashi is not saying that Achashveirosh liked the Jews, and didn't want to get rid of them. Rashi is merely stating that Achashveirosh never thought that he could ever practically get rid of them, as is evident from all of the objections that Achashveirosh presented to Haman regarding Hash-m, the Rabanan, etc (see 13b). Haman presented a plan that Achashveirosh never thought possible. Rashi's terminology could also refer to the fact that Haman's idea required a certain haughtiness that minimized the greatness of Klal Yisrael in a way that Achashveirosh would never have even thought of (which is why the Gemara earlier states that there was no one as good at talking Lashon Hara as Haman).
Kol Tuv,
Yaakov Montrose