For once I agree with you. Price gouging based on other factors, mainly bad ones, is unethical. However Phil is wrong on one part. When a product gets close to expiration date there's nothing wrong with lowering the price to get rid of it. The problem would be lowering the price AFTER the expiration date passed in an attempt to get rid of it.

Isn’t that what drives most sale prices? Or manager specials? That or slight over stock. (Aside from seasonal stuff like thanksgiving etc.)

This is how ESG works.
There used to be Consumer Protection Laws in the USA.
What is your Social Credit Score?

I’m no communist but after reading that I now believe the USSR did nothing wrong.
(I’m kidding of course but sweet Jesus that’s horrifying.)

Who could tell ?

Skill issue.