Is the definition of exit discharge more discretionary than the definition of exit access and what code sections explain this?

It is my understanding that exit access applies to virtually any path from any point in a building to an exit. So, essentially every square foot of a building's interior is in the exit access.
 
However, the exit discharge seems to be defined as only some paths from the exit.

For example, IBC 2006 1003.5 says that changes in elevation of less than 12 inches in the means of egress shall be ramped.  However, many examples exist where a person leaving a business can choose to walk back to their car along a natural path that includes a curb or they may choose a natural path that includes a ramp.

It seems that the ramped path is being designated as the exit discharge and the curbs are allowed because they are not considered to be in the exit discharge.

Can the exit discharge be defined as and limited to just the ramp? Since people can take many paths both in accessing the exit and in discharging from the exit, shouldn't all paths be considered to be in the means of egress?

It seems that if only some paths are deemed to be in the exit discharge, then allowing all sorts of hazardous conditions in the natural path of people exiting the building could be excused.