Tires: rim damage, rubber tire, tire size

Question
A month ago we bought new tires.  Shortly after one tire was leaking air.  We took it in and that shop pointed out the inside of the factory mag rim was flattened and cracked.  No scratches. It was so bad could see this from across the room.  How often do rims flaten only on the inside?  If something was hit that hard (it wasn't) wouldn't you expect some kind of mark on the rubber?  Tire size is p22560t16, so lots of side wall. Don't they mount tires from the inside?  Like the most obvious reason be some kid mounting the tire tried to cover up his mistake?  I have not talked to them yet.
Thanks

Answer
Martin,

I'm afraid that this dent cannot be blaimed on anything but hitting an oject.

First, the process of mounting a tire does not generate enough force to bend a rim.

Second, tires are generally mounted outside in, so the dent might not be noticed.

But you can dent a rim without damaging the rubber.  After all, aren't most things that cushion impacts made of rubber?

Sorry, I don't think the kid had anything to do with the dent other than he didn't notice it.