When ancient humans sinned, they were punished with environmental disasters, diseases. When modern humans sin, the consequences aren't as great. On the flipside, when the ancients won God's favor they were overwhelmed with riches.
The difference indicates to me that ancient humans were closer to the earth and to themselves, and the intensity of the consequences for their sins reflects the intensity with which they lived.
Does this mean that we live no more intensely? Probably, but I think its more of an indicator that our relationship with God has changed over our evolution.
