You could probably stretch the definition of “goal” to explain such behavior
Characterize, not explain. This defines (idealized) goals given behavior, it doesn’t explain behavior. The (detailed) behavior (together with the goals) is perhaps explained by evolution or designer’s intent (or error), but however evolution (design) happened is a distinct question from what is agent’s own goal.
Saying that something is goal-directed seems to be an average fuzzy category, like “heavy things”. Associated with it are “quantitative” ideas of a particular goal, and optimality of its achievement (like with particular weight).
Characterize, not explain. This defines (idealized) goals given behavior, it doesn’t explain behavior. The (detailed) behavior (together with the goals) is perhaps explained by evolution or designer’s intent (or error), but however evolution (design) happened is a distinct question from what is agent’s own goal.
Saying that something is goal-directed seems to be an average fuzzy category, like “heavy things”. Associated with it are “quantitative” ideas of a particular goal, and optimality of its achievement (like with particular weight).