Both, in a way. Most people who are brain-dead at DOA are generally brain-dead in other ways as well. With that said, though; my status was directed towards people who has a brain-dead playstyle in DOA.
I find that people tend to play brain-dead in most fighting games. It's just that DOA gives you the tools to blow up brain-dead players more so than other 3D fighters. A lot of people just don't like to think and expect to win anyway.