or pure arrogance and bloody mindedness!
The one with pure arrogance and bloody mindedness is you. Whilst I accept its polite to have the seat upright at mealtimes, passengers pay for a seat that reclines (except on Ryanair!) - what right do you have to try to deny them that right at other times? Too tall? Not the person in front's problem - if you can't fit into an economy seat with the one in front of you reclined, fly business class.
Andy