Originally Posted by IRISHMAFIA

You are right, the runner cannot just go "poof". However, that doesn't mean the runner can choose their path of exit without suffering the ramifications if they interfere.

The offense cannot have it both ways. The defense should not be required to read the minds or body language of the opponent. The runner cannot go poof when they are doing what they are supposed to do, hence the protection at that point. What they are supposed to do is try to advance toward the base, not turn out one way or the other.