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Full Idea
Whether or not a definite description is used referentially or attributively is a function of the speaker's intentions in a particular case.
Gist of Idea
Whether a definite description is referential or attributive depends on the speaker's intention
Source
Keith Donnellan (Reference and Definite Descriptions [1966], §VII)
Book Ref
'Naming, Necessity, and Natural Kinds', ed/tr. Schwartz,Stephen P. [Cornell 1979], p.58
A Reaction
Donnellan's distinction, and his claim here, seem to me right. However words on a notice could refer on one occasion, and just describe on another. "Anyone entering this cage is mad".