[support] What does disabling users do?

Actually "Deleting" an account has options under configuration->account settings, but "disabling" an account's only option is sending an email. I've been trying to find documentation on what "disabling" actually does.

From what I've seen so far, disabling an account makes it: unable to

login. Anyone who views their profile gets an access denied error, and all of their content remains untouched.

Is disabling an account pointless unless it's used as part of the "deleted account" options that also gives you control to unpublish content?

With that said, is there a recommended module for finer tuned controls when deleting the account (for example, unpublishing some content types, but leaving others in tact)

Thanks Drupalers!