I think this is an interesting distinction between the bike as a tool vs the bike as a toy. There's a fine line and many bikes and their riders can do both, perhaps even in the same ride.

When I bike to work, I often allow a few extra minutes to take the scenic route and get some additional miles in (tool and toy). When I bike home, I usually have a list of to-dos waiting so I just get home (tool only). Occasionally I fit in a fun weekend ride (toy only). All this is on the same bike.