How about the name list of next round of lay-off of your department, resumes of candidates that applying for your team's open position, or even performance review of the team?
What puzzles me most is that your E seems to accept this behavior and never implied to you that you shouldn't do this.
It may be unfair that you have shared with us many of your valued experiences, a few of us keep arguing on one or two trivia details. I have to say, after reading your series, I too have been a little confused. No, no, I don't think you are fabricating stuff. You sounds so sincere and humble, only some of the narration just don't fit into this picture. Maybe as you said that you are indeed very lucky and have these unique experiences. Wish you all the best and Happy New Year.