Do better teams not put "100%" against lower teams?

So following MLS and just watched NYC FC vs Toronto. NYC is at 5th on the standings while Toronto at 12th. It's noticeable that NYC wasn't on their A-Game, which had me assume that they're not over-exerting themselves so they prevent any injuries.

Since I just started following soccer outside of World Cup, is this unique to MLS, or does this happen to the other leagues as well?