Just a guess but the saying probably dates back to the era when the enemy cannons were loaded with grapeshot! Not a pretty sight if you were on the recieving end.
Somewhat of a deterant, no less, if aimed in your direction!
Corporations today have no fear of anything as their manipulatoins, corruption and other forms of malingering go on in perpetuity without even fear of a slap on the wrists!
It's open season on sher's! (other than insiders and their "friends!")
The grapeshot is beig fired in the wrong direction!
RUF