(the) smokers

Hi,

I have a question about the definite article with plurals. Here's my scenario: smoking has been interdicted anywhere near my college building. I share my feeling with another student by saying:

"I feel sorry for smokers."

"I feel sorry for the smokers."

My interpretation:

"I feel sorry for smokers." = I don't know if there are any in the college building, but if there are I feel sorry for them.

"I feel sorry about the smokers." = I know who the smokers are among the students, and it's them I feel sorry for.

Correct?