I agree that sucrose is not inherently non-paleo, because it is present
in many paleo fruits and vegetables in varying amounts. However, liberal
use of refined sucrose is a far newer development than agriculture. The
last century alone saw a drastic increase in sugar consumption in the
west.

Aside from depletion of nutrients, typical characteristics of refined
foods are quantity, concentration, and rapid absorption. Eating an
orange that contains a little sucrose can't be compared with drinking a
big glass of sugar-laden soft drink, or even a big glass of orange juice
squeezed from many oranges. People in the Andes chew coca leaves for
energy at high altitude; that can't be compared with snorting cocaine.
Coca leaves may be paleo, but coke sure isn't.

Bill Dooley