not saying that it's sensible or not-annoying for pedestrians to do this, but i think they do have the right to. my driving instructor always used to tell me that the second that a pedestrian stepped onto the road, they had priority.
That's my policy up to the point where swerving or attempting an emergency stop would cause one or both of use to go hurtling down the road and end up at A&E or under a car. I barked at pedestrians twice this year as they were stepping out, giving them a fright I'm sure. Didn't like it but it was the right thing to do in the circumstances.
Basically its about a bit of give and take from everyone, consideration from everyone - including peds and cyclists.
This