That is not relevant to the question of how people constantly break something that isn't particularly breakable. If they cared about the cost of the phone, I would expect them to demonstrate slightly less wanton disregard for it such that they routinely smash it. I also know plenty of people that regularly break their phones even with a case.

At some point, you have to conclude people don't actually care if they smash their phone based on how frequently they do it.

As I said, it's baffling.