It's true when [finite resource] is indistinguishable from [infinite resource], meaning it's abundant, cheap, and can be used recklessly with no impact.
Aside from air, ocean water, sunlight, and a few types of rocks, I don't know if that's ever the case. Pretty much as soon as something is declared "free", people will consume so much more than you could have ever imagined.
I didn't say it was actually infinite, just that it felt infinite. When it feels infinite, people will abuse it, making it feel finite again the hard way