Justify not putting the cart back without the root reason being that you're selfish (too lazy, in a hurry, not my job, cart return is too far away, etc). Go ahead, I'll wait.
i got hit by a car while trying to return the cart and the medics forced me to go to the hospital despite my dying wish being for someone to return the cart
The cart is probably either damaged, or has your blood all over it, or both, so it's in no condition to be used right now anyways. Thank you for at least trying to return it, I'll spread the word about your GoFundMe (for either your bills or funeral).
If it's a nice day it gives the employee in charge of rounding up carts a chance to go outside and no longer be under the direct eye of management, and maybe even get to see a beautiful sunset in the evening.
When I worked at Whole Foods I loved when a cart was way in the outfield. I got some fresh air and I didn't have to deal with angry customers.
I'll give you this one, because your intentions are good. I will suggest, however, that not everyone who is collecting carts has the same outlook. This would be highly season- and weather-dependent as well.
I don't know the word for this argument, but I would say the "not everyone likes collecting carts" is kinda not the best argument only because you could say the same thing the other way. Like there are people who like collecting the carts and are sad to see them put away (like me).
I worked in the PNW when I was at whole foods, and summer in Seattle is phenomenal but I know it's not always like that elsewhere.
So the new rule is "put the cart away unless you live in Washington, Oregon, British Columbia, parts of Idaho and northern California, and southern Alaska, given that it is between the dates of June 1 through September 31st, and the weather is nice to help combat the Seasonal Affect Disorder"
This is the perfect rule of morality and I will not be taking questions.