I can't speak for others, but when I've discussed the work of peers or even my own work I try to be very careful about not overstating the results. It's far too easy for a lay audience to take such comparisons and run amok.

As for your latter point, I doubt that most scientists studying animals are the ones against preventative measures in regards to extinction. There are plenty of ethical reasons to prevent extinction of a species without ascribing human characteristics.