I have only one example (dont want to give any attention though) the company started maybe 5-6 years ago, lasted 3-4 years and last I checked the company sold to a "media company" who oddly just took the site and made it a generic "news" ad page.

My guess is these domains can be juiced for a few $1,000 in ad revenu just from people searching the old name.

So yes, they 100% do see off their domains to "media" compaines who fill them with ads.