Google refuses to reimburse me for a defective gift card - What can be done?

I bought a $50 and $25 Google Play gift card from Publix in Florida. The $50 card was fine. I peeled the backing off to reveal the code. The backing on the $25 card did not come off so easily. I scratched it with my fingernail, just like the first card, but it came off in small pieces, taking the code with it. Publix refused to help and said I had to contact Google. I sent Google a photo of the back of the card which showed the defective scratch area. It also showed the serial number of the card which I am sure they can see it hasn't been used. I also sent a picture of the receipt. Google said they won't help because "we are unable to redeem the value of the gift card to your account. Google is not responsible for gift cards that have been lost, stolen, or destroyed" (but they are responsible for collecting the money from them). I know it is only $25 but it pisses me off. What can be done?