I understand what your saying...  
and like most "common" household, I don't have GFCIs on my outside outlets.

Woofer asked/suggested that an extension cord even though no load is plugged into it can "still" draw power.

And your response (assuming there is no gfci being used) says current can be flowing.
whether power is flowing from hot to neutral or hot to ground, Power is being consumed.  Granted, most likely micro in values, but it is still power.
and, it's never free!   or is it?