Someone who enjoys the benefits of a public good without bearing the cost. An example, in trade policy, is that trade liberalization benefits the majority of consumers without their lobbying for it. This may tip policy in the direction of protection, for which there are fewer free riders.
A follower who avoids the cost and expense of finding the best course of action simply by mimicking the behavior of a leader who made these investments.
A follower who avoids the cost and expense of finding the best course of action and by simply mimicking the behavior of a leader who made these investments. 
In agricultural policy, the term generally refers to a firm or person who benefits from a collective
Excess reserves minus member bank borrowings at the Fed.
A person or organisation that enjoys benefits and services provided by others, and doesn't pay their fair share of the costs