What Would You Have Done In This Situation?

For context, I live in Seattle, where homelessness has been on the rise.

On our walk through the city the other day, my partner and I happened to cross paths with a man I can only assume was homeless. If I could smell him, it would be of urine. He walked with his neck forward and back hunched, carrying a large ragged bag. As he walks by, I hear a loud hock and the sound of spit landing near us.

My partner was in my line of sight, so I couldn't see it go down. But there was no mistake; the man had intended to disrespect us. Without realizing it, I shout profanities and change my direction towards him and pace with intentions he was not ready for.

"Put your fucking mask on". Clearly, he hadn't thought through what he would say because neither did he have a mask on. Undeterred, I continue towards seeking a skull on the curb. He continues talking smack, but his body betrays him. He's walking backwards, trying not to engage like a dog with its tail between its legs. Since his spit didn't land on my partner I let it be and turned around and we continued on our day.

This experience has left me pondering why did he choose to target us? I guess that he saw an Asian couple that looked like an easy target. I'm 5' 8", and my partner is 5' 3".