I think possibly an altered rear tread can throw water differently.

On mtb and XC, sguare knobbed, non-chevron pattern tires can be reversed.
You can do this later in the life out of the tire as wear will to be the first contact side of the knob.

road tires have channels, more a water than traction thing, as they have max contact patch compared to other types.

The side edge tread on tires unless squared knobbes spaced even, no doubles = is designed to to stop wear and squirm.
This is why the grooves are angled to take the wear.

On offroad, the pitch, or resistance can be used skidding reversed if worn.

An odd idea, if you reversed slick tires would they be more grabby as to the grain of the rubber?
Like a wet race day?...only got used.