Toxicity, the Myth

I, personally, despise the word "Toxic" when referring to another player. Now, I am by no means an outstanding player. I've been playing for years and am usually in the Gold/Plat tiers. But in those tiers, and below, I notice the word "Toxic" gets thrown around all the time.

Scenario PurpleDrank123 is 0/4 by 6 minutes, not due to ganks/camping/roaming opponents. Just outright losing to his laning oponent at, say... top lane. JimBob2248 tells PurpleDrank123 to quit feeding. Now PurpleDrank123 does what everybody else does in this situation, and plays the victim card. PurpleDrank123 says that JimBob2248 is Toxic and thats why he's playing poorly.

He played poorly, somebody pointed it out, and now its their fault.

That's my issue. Yeah, JimBob2248 shouldn't have said anything in the first place for obvious reasons -- negative attitude, he's probably not doing it on purpose anyway and can't help it, doesn't help with team synergy.. blah blah blah. But, seriously? How could it possibly be his fault at this point?

If PurpleDrank123 were to simply mute the "toxic" player thereafter, then the conflict vanishes. I feel like muting is often the HARDEST thing for people to do, in-game. There's always the allure of "What did they say back?" or "I wonder if they turned a new leaf and are nicer..." But if the mute never happens in the first place, generally BOTH parties begin verbally abusing eachother. They start pointing out mistakes the other has made, criticizing their build paths or champion selection, often times even Ranked Match Tier (e.g. bronze, silver, gold... ). I have even been flamed at for suggesting items or focus targets before.

I hope Riot, someday, implements a permanent-mute feature. You mute "X" player, and that's that. No second chances, no un-muting. You pressed the button, and its done. I don't often mute players, but when I do, its for one of several reasons:

1. Consistent Broken English or Foreign Language (NA Server) (I speak German and some French/Spanish) ('Merica)
2. Pre-made Groups Ganging Up on Players
3. Unyielding Whiners and Complainers
4. The "Victims"

Thoughts, comments, suggestions, insults, offers, compliments, random impulses -- appreciated.