Yeah, they know it's cheaper to refund the purchase price rather than to provide a replacement. Why would they ever take the bigger loss to them? They're businesses, not people with a conscious. They are legally required to make the most profit possible for their shareholders as they are both public entities. Publicly traded businesses are by definition lawful evil because this is the kind of world humanity gravitates towards.
I'm sure the warranty terms are worded in such a way that is most hostile to consumers and most beneficial to themselves. There's always a half dozen legal gotchas that rarely apply in cases where they would lose a penny more than is typical like market shortages caused by AI infrastructure spend. The only time it makes financial sense for them to honor the warranty is if it's cheaper than providing a refurbished replacement, and a refurb of these drives is likely worth much, much more than the original.
I'd say the play here is to buy a new one and return the old one but do a label swap. It's certainly fraud, but then amazon or sandisk get to eat it instead of you. If you are concerned about how hard it hits their bottom lines, check out their stock valuation over the last year.
edit: section D of their published warranty clearly outlines that they are not liable for more than your purchase price:
D. Warranty Limitations and Limitations of Liability
Except for the express warranties stated herein, Samsung disclaims all other express and implied warranties, including but not limited to any implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, noninfringement, course of dealing and usage of trade. All expressed and implied warranties are limited in duration to the limited warranty period. This agreement contains Samsung's entire liability and your exclusive remedy for breach of this agreement. in no event shall Samsung, its suppliers or any affiliates be liable for any indirect, consequential, incidental or special damages, any financial loss or any lost data or files, even if Samsung has been advised of the possibility of such damage and notwithstanding the failure of essential purpose of any limited remedy. in no event will Samsung's liability exceed the amount paid by you for the product. these limitations and exclusions apply to the fullest extent permitted by applicable law.