In reading this I'm being lead to think you want to break away from traditional rationale to find a more well rounded perception of "desire." Or perhaps an answer that better fits your needs?
I think it's helpful for me to categorize desire: Intrinsic, Stronger v. weaker, Good-based v. Pleasure-based, Learning-based, Attention-based, or even Action-based. Then there is Occurent desire which feels a lot like naval gazing.

Anyway, if I understand you correctly you perhaps believe that if you can lose some desire then it brings you closer to a spiritual goal perhaps? Perhaps this is what sparks your deep questions?