This is a pattern of fine droplets radiating away from the point where the stream impacts the surface, and a pattern is seen in both the collection of droplets and in the shape of individual droplets. Splatter is not seen when the liquid is poured from 3 inches or less.
Splatter is relatively independent of flow rate.
The pattern produced by individual small drops may be different. At slow flow rates, a pool of only a few inches extent, and a trickle down the riser only a couple of inches wide is seen, even if the flow continues for long enough to eventually deposit a pint of liquid or more. At very high flow rates, the step is flooded, and the pattern down the riser can be wider than two feet. The pattern seen at Nicole's step can be roughly simulated with a flow of 1 pint in 5 seconds, deposited 3 inches from the edge of the step. This is within the range of flow rate expected for the initial gush from the carotid arteries.