My first thought was that you measure down the back wall from the corner but 210.52 says "Wall Counter Space".
I can easily see they could mean the end wall was the start of the wall counter space, defined by measuring the counter/wall joint and you need receptacles in both end walls.
If the first outlet was somewhere out about a foot from the corner you would still be able to run most appliances as front to the front edge as would be practical.
"Mr Pythagoras, please pick up the red courtesy phone"
