As one of the aforementioned “waiters” (though I am not a walker-stalker and NEVER a hurry-up-honker), I can say that you’re right: it’s pure laziness (that, and the fact that I just feel like I pulled a parking coup when I see a close space opening up in a crowded lot). However, I will also say that I try my damndest to leave space for anyone behind me to get by while I’m waiting for a space. If I can’t do that, then I won’t wait for very long; I’ll either circle around again, or give up and move on if the person in the space is taking awhile.*
The one time I even came close to violating the above self-imposed rules was when I went to the mall with my friend Mary (who is . . . interesting, to say the least). A family (mom, grandma, grandpa, and two small children) were packing up the mini-van to go. The lot was packed, the lanes were plenty wide (for other cars to get past me) and the space was the closest non-handicapped space available (super-coup!), so I settled in to wait patiently for as long as necessary (yes, Johnny L.A., I’m aware of the irony you pointed out–whereby people parking further away often beat me into the store–but . . . the coup, man, the coup is so delicious ;)).
So there I was, happily waiting in the car with Mary while Mom loaded kids, parents, and shopping bags into the van. Just as Mom rounded the rear of the van to get into the driver’s seat, she made apologetic eye-contact with me. I sensed an unnecessary apology forthcoming, so I prepared to wave it away with a “No Problem!”
Just as the woman uttered her "Sorry . . . " however, she was drowned out by Mary who, from my passenger seat (windows and sunroof open) yelled, “Fuckin’ BREEDERS!” at the woman, whose look of apology had been replaced by one of mild shock.
I was mortified.
I called a feeble, "No problem, take your time . . . " at the lady’s retreating back.
Soon the parking space was mine, but the coup was not quite as delicious.
Mary showed remorse later, but by then the woman was long gone.
**My mom said that she read a survey or a study or something that said that people tend to deliberately take longer to get out of a parking space if someone else is waiting to use it. Me, I’m the opposite, but hey, it takes all kinds . . . *