It's because they don't understand basic finance concepts. If they knew what time value of money and net present value meant, they'd realize that something that paid for itself in ten years is a bad investment.
Everyone in every discipline should be required to take Finance 101.
Something that pays for itself in ten years is a bad investment and how humanity progresses. Long term investment is essential and basic science requires it.
Everyone in every discipline should be required to take Finance 101.