Additionally some people feel it is more polite to share a gift that they are given (to show how much they enjoy it) and others feel that the sharing shows that you don't enjoy it.
It is quite interesting how the same (good and decent) motivation "I want to be a good host" or "I want to demonstrate my appreciation for this gift" can lead to very different actions.
I think the best is to assume that if someone treats an item differently than you would, just give it the best spin (within reason-if they are using your wine as a cleaning product, there is no kind way to take that-true story) and assume they are a saver or a sharer etc... and this is how they demonstrate their appreciation.
I think this is a good point. It's kind of like how in some cultures, if someone gives you a present you open it right away in front of them; and in others it's considered polite to take it home, unwrap it in private, and thank the giver later. The first time my co-worker did the latter with a gift we gave him, we were all kind of thrown, and thought maybe he felt uncomfortable receiving it or didn't want it or something. But then later he explained that it was his cultural tradition, and he was trying to show respect for our gift and be polite.
For the record, I wouldn't put out/bring to a gathering food I thought was
horrible, like there was something actually
wrong with it. But I might bring something that wasn't to my taste, in the hopes that other people would really like it, and it would fulfill its purpose and not go to waste. It's a delicate situation though I must admit.