Toddler Logic

The Boy (TB): I'm done, I want to go play.
Me: Eat a bite of your fish first, then you can go play.
TB: I don't want to eat my fish.
Me: Well, then you can't go play.
TB: I want to go play.
Me: Then eat a bite of your fish.
TB: I don't want to eat my fish. I want more rice.
Me: You can have some more rice after you eat a bite of fish.
TB: I don't want to eat my fish.
Me: Okay.
TB: ...I want to go play.
...
This continues for about 20 minutes, interspersed with brief tantrums. Occasionally, my wife would tag in so I could take a few bites of my dinner.
...
TB: I want more rice.
Me: Sure. Just eat a bite of fish first.
TB: Okay. (eats a small bite of fish) I eat it!
Me: Great, I'll get you some more rice.

I can't figure out if he thinks he's wearing us down, or if he really doesn't see the connection between eating the fish and doing what he wants.