That theory was relevant years ago most cart handling systems are not set up for returning the carts back to the stores now.

Lot of places here really don't seem to mind leaving carts in the parking lot, but would like to keep them IN the parking lot, lol
See a lot of places have an electronic wheel lock, if you get too far from the store it locks up, sorta like a invisible dog fence....

So if I get a few carts together and push them back to the store on my way inside it must mean I'm citizen of the year??

Sainthood maybe.

Now we wait for some guy to bring one back and park it in the wrong spot and get chewed out. LOL

Nobody sees the irony here give it some thought,