An LLM then has a preference for Python in the same way a gömböc[1] has a preference to land right-side-up. From my side of the argument, calling this a preference like I have a preference for vanilla milkshakes over coke or my dog has a preference for the longer walk over the short one is what seems pedantic. There is a difference, at least in language, between mechanical processes and living beings' decision-making.

Perhaps instead of "preference", "propensity" would be a more broadly applicable term?

[1]https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/G%C3%B6mb%C3%B6c