"he also mentioned that he had just paid $10,000 (I think that was the gross figure) to watch someone destroy a large number of chips from a recently closed casino"

He was lying. you do not pay to watch a destruction. I have been to a number of them.

Casino's that destroy chips are not thinking about the hobby, they are following gaming guide lines.
But:
The main reason for destruction is to keep them from getting out and showing up at other NV casinos that would take them in play on their tables.