The restricted recline applies to the "full" row in front of any exit row between the exit door and the closest aisle. It doesn't have to do with the door itself, it has to do with actual exiting of passengers, which can be be more difficult if the row in front did recline.

Recline avoidance is not enough by itself usually for a door. On some planes where the door needs more space, the front exit row has no window seat at all, creating an "endless" legroom seat behind it.