Operators defined on $L_1$ which "nowhere" attain their norm

Abstract

Let $E$ be either $\ell_1$ of $L_1$. We consider $E$-unattainable continuous linear operators $T$ from $L_1$ to a Banach space $Y$, i.e., those operators which do not attain their norms on any subspace of $L_1$ isometric to $E$. It is not hard to see that if $T: L_1 \to Y$ is $\ell_1$-unattainable then it is also $L_1$-unattainable. We find some equivalent conditions for an operator to be $\ell_1$-unattainable and construct two operators, first $\ell_1$-unattainable and second $L_1$-unattainable but not $\ell_1$-unattainable. Some open problems remain unsolved.