The use of the word 'poach' by employers comes from a mentality where they are the lords, the employees are deer on their land, and other companies are peasants

The use of the word 'poach' by employers comes from a mentality where they are the lords, the employees are deer on their land, and other companies are peasants trying to get some food, which the lord believes to be his exclusive right. It dehumanizes the employee by comparing them to an owned animal.