Effort != Grade

I can't believe how ridiculous these students sound - "Nearly two-thirds of the students surveyed said that if they explained to a professor that they were trying hard, that should be taken into account in their grade." -
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/18/education/18college.htm

How and when did this mindset set in for students?!?

Seriously, imagine this in the real world...
"I'm sorry boss, I tried real hard when I created those design plans, I didn't know the plans sucked..."
"FIRED"