The space present around the top of the piston down to the top ring is included because it is there. The piston does not expand from combustion heat to close up that space. It is a trend for OE and some aftermarket pistons to move the top ring higher on the piston to eliminate some of that space as unburnt fuel can hang out there resulting in a loss of full potential power and increased emissions. Raising the top ring location is a balancing act between reducing the space and exposing the top piston ring to more heat.