Even if you're eating it tonight surely you want the freshest item? Most foods deteriorate after harvest.

It would feel socially rude of me to take the freshest item from the back, knowing I don't need it, leaving the older ones to someone who might not have time to cook as soon. Someone has to take take the one in front, or the store has to throw it out, creating waste and ultimately raising prices for everyone.

Seems kinda like farting in a crowded room and then slipping out the door.

I do that, too. Why take something that I don't need, but somebody else might?

Meh, most things I’m never going to tell the difference in a few days freshness. We’re very good at preserving things with packaging now, and my cooking skill is going to have a much larger impact than the ingredients being marginally fresher.