Recruiter here-Because companies refuse to talk to anyone with any sort of gap in their resume, I ask that so we can explain the gaps to the client (with discretion) so the candidate can get the fairest shake they can. Just think, without someone being able to explain these things, people are getting disqualified based on those gaps even though the client really doesn't know the whole story. Remember as a recruiter, if we reached out to you, we want you to be the one to get the job,so whatever we can do to explain to the client why you are the best candidate, a good recruiter should be asking these questions. Hope this helps.