I can honestly say I don't regret a policy of not asking people for things in general. If somebody wants me to have some of their cake, or whatever, then I'm usually happy to accept. But I can't think of a time when I am like "gee, I missed out by not asking for that thing."

The cake could also be asking for a raise, or a discount, really any other any opportunity that’s not as low-stakes as an item of food