It sweetens the pervasive smell of the rot. Makes it ‘catchy’ and totally impossible to ignore. Instead of being a smell that catches you off guard occasionally and disgusts you, if becomes a smell that constantly invites you to vomit.
One time I had a chicken set out on the gas stove to thaw and was unexpectedly called away for the holiday. Forgot to put the chicken away. Not only did it thaw, but the juices ran in under the cooktop and rotted. I tried to cover it up with something sweet smelling and for 6–8 weeks wanted to vomit whenever I was within 2 foot of the stove.