Im too good for the Program Files

What is the deal with app developers/programmers not using 'C:\Program Files\' as the default place to install their application?

I asked a developer recently why they gave 'C:\' as the default install point, they replied with "well the coding in the program actually needs it to be in the root of C:". I of course then asked "so why do you even give the choice in the installer?". The reply didn't make sense, used random words and lacked intelligence and didn't address my question at all.

This is all google images could give in the way of "stupid programmers", rather boring...