I do wonder what would have happened if the guy simply and politely asked the woman not to recline all the way, instead of forcing the device on her. It might have turned out differently...or not.
Last time my stepfather flew (business trip), he did that. The passenger in front of him immediately jammed the seat all the way back. The guy he often travels with has it pretty bad: he's 6'7" tall. Basically, he spends the entire flight wedged against the next seat, totally unable to move his legs.
I will hitch-hike before I will fly...it's less hassle.