Spreading sugar on an icy path is unlikely to have the same effect as spreading salt on it. Salt is commonly used to melt ice on roads and sidewalks because it lowers the freezing point of water. When salt is added to water that is below its freezing point, it dissolves and creates a brine solution that is colder than the freezing point of pure water. As a result, the brine can lower the freezing point of the water on the surface of the ice, causing it to melt.

Sugar, on the other hand, does not have the same effect on ice. Sugar does not dissolve in water as easily as salt does, so it is less effective at lowering the freezing point of water. Additionally, sugar is less dense than salt, so it is less likely to come into contact with the ice and be effective at melting it.

In summary, while sugar may provide some temporary traction on an icy surface, it is not a substitute for salt as a de-icing agent. If you need to melt ice on a sidewalk or road, it is best to use salt or another de-icing agent that is specifically designed for this purpose.