My cat has pretty much free reign of the place...with two exceptions. Whenever she wants my attention and isn't getting it, she ALWAYS goes where she's not allowed just to force me to get up and yell at her. Her reaction is just "oh you're up now? Ok come on let's go play"
For two of my cats I agree but the other one definitely shows remorse when he's being scolded. It may not be genuine but he's certainly pretending he's sorry.