If I imagine doing a thing, then do I intend it?

If I imagine doing a thing, then do I intend it? Have any buddhist texts spoken about any difference between the imagination as it might feature in intent? Suppose I imagine putting a poison in someone's food, and then suggest they eat it. Surely I haven't intended to poison them, anymore than I intend to kill the bad guy when I watch an action movie. Do the fantastical results of a diseased mind incorporate intent? Suppose I have a delusion that everytime I clap my hand someone dies, and I clap my hands (this looks no different to the poison example, except for the fact I believe - rather than imagine - it): have I intended to kill?