Re: Is this the same in other large corporations?
I would say this is probably common in overworked companies.
Your brain needs downtime or the first thing to go is your self control. Same with not having eaten for too long. In the latter case I'd point out that Lord Fallon's most famous offence took place right before an evening meal.
Work people too hard and they become monstrous. Expect them to remain at the workplace and operate as part of the company late into the evening, even in a social sense? Don't do that.
Not that I'm excusing people's behaviour. Getting enough downtime and having a snack before a high powered formal event are entirely under your own control. If your employer won't let you then start here.