It needs to be noted that there are two different, independent-of-each-other caches being referenced in this thread.
-- One is the system cache partition, it is its own, separate partition dedicated solely to the Android operating system. Being part of the OS also means the user (unless you're rooted) doesn't have full open access to it. Typically we only can wipe it via Recovery Mode.
-- The other 'cache' refers to individual app caches, these are temp files used by apps we've installed. These app caches are stored in /data, the partition set aside for the user, the place where all user data and user-installed apps reside.
Wiping the system cache is relative to the operating system and its basic functionality, the distinction being wiping app caches only affects their respective apps. So two different things that require two different processes to manage.