That's a more reasonable argument, but stupid people are going to hurt themselves in stupid ways no matter what you do. They didn't specify what the other scalding cases were about, but I'm guessing they were instances where employees had spilled hot drinks on customers. In that instance it'd be perfectly reasonable to pay out. Customers demanding compensation for spilling drinks in themselves, off premisis, with no influence from staff or the site whatsoever, is a massive escalation. If they started paying those kinds of claims it would mean they'd be responsible for anything anyone did with their food any time after it had been handed to them. It doesn't matter what size the business is or how evil they are, no one could afford to start taking on that kind of risk. So they drew the line and said no, it's your fault. There has to be a limit to caring.