[REQUEST] Does braking harder for less time, or lighter for longer make your brakes last longer?

Picture this. I am driving 60mph approaching a traffic light. I am 1/4th mile from said light. If I stopped by applying brakes lightly and hold them to a gradual stop the whole quarter mile, would that cause more or less wear on my brakes then getting 300ft away and hitting my brakes hard?

Lets assume a standard modern SUV for simplicity. Does hitting your brakes hard for a short period of time or lightly applying for longer wear out your brakes faster?