Well, when you look at threads on CC where people ask about their (undergrad) college chances despite their “low” 3.87 high school GPA, you can see that the idea sets in early.
But yeah, like others have said on this thread, professors don’t “like” giving out bad grades*—in fact, it would be easier and more enjoyable just to give everybody an A, because then we wouldn’t have to deal with the grade-grubbers afterward. We give bad grades because students have earned them, and we are in a position where we are expected to judge achievement.
- Caveat: An A- is **not** a bad grade. If you think that, seriously, get over your own hype.