Hens that aren’t laying won’t be as willing to mate with him, meaning they’ve lost his favor. Typically when a hen stops for the season (or molt) she will not have that nice red comb which is what the boys seem to like. A good rooster won’t usually try to breed a molting hen or a young pullet who doesn’t have that plump red comb. But that also means who likely won’t be as nice to them.
I noticed similar behavior in my flock when last year’s birds went through the first fall molt. My main man was mean to a few girls who were molting when before he was a gentleman to them. He was also a bit more particular to which hens he let eat next to him. He would chase off the younger, non laying pullets and only let his usual hens and a few of his preferred younger girls by the feeder when he was nearby. I also felt he was more food aggressive when he was molting, he didn’t show the girls the food and treats like he used to.
Now he’s mostly back to his usual self but he still will peck at some of the pullet who get too close during feeding time.