The tailpipe would not ignite it, & no he wouldn't have "blowed up."
Gasoline doesn't explode, it combusts. Would just be a big fireball "if someone threw a match in there."
Gasoline as a liquid doesn't burn, the evaporating fumes do, & it is ignited by open flame or electric spark. You can snuff out a lit cigarette in gas without it igniting.
Actually tailpipes can and do ignite it. Combustion still occurs into the exhaust. Heat is all that's required. Sparks (hot carbon) and flame can exit tailpipes. Especially if running rich.
You're also confused between the vapor and the liquid. It's the vapor which generally ignites and is much easier to ignite than the liquid. You are correct if only speaking of the liquid.
You're talking about pre-atomized, heated fuel coming from the engine. Yes, you can get after-fire with a modified engine, but that's a long way from the exhaust tip.
I said what I meant. It remains accurate.
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