Or, that the work you have reproduced is sufficiently "transformative," which is an exception under "fair use" law. How different is the copy from the original? If I draw Elsa but with a green dress and a different hairstyle, I'm not under Disney's copyright even if my inspiration is clear.

Edit: Also, the degree to which it must be transformative is, I would argue, lesser for code. There's only so many ways to implement an algorithm - meaning that if it is slightly different, it may be transformative enough, whereas a more creative and less utility-based outlet like painting may require greater changes.