Commentary for Bava Metzia 161:15

אמרו ליה רבנן לרב פפא אמאי פשיעה בבעלים היא אכסיף לסוף איגלאי מילתא דההוא שעתא שכרא הוה קא שתי

A man once sold an ass to his neighbour. Said the latter, 'I will take it to that place, if it is sold, it is well; if not, I will return it to you.' He went, but it was not sold, and on his way back it was accidentally injured. On his going before R. Nahman, he held him liable. Thereupon Raba raised an objection to R. Nahman: If they are damaged on the outward journey, he is liable; but exempt if on the return journey, because he is regarded as a paid bailee! — He answered: The return journey of this person is an outward journey. Why so? — It is common-sense. For if he found a purchaser on his return, would he not sell it?

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