Are the PS pumps in the first-gen Escapes known for leaking behind the pulley?

My 2002 2.0L has started losing PS fluid, but I can't see any evidence of leakage around any of the pipe/line junctions either at the pump or the rack. However, there is obvious wetness between the pulley and the pump body. Would that be the shaft seal?

 

Any PS pump will tend to leak from pipe joints or shaft seals and yes behind the pulley is where the shaft seal would leak from.

Irrespective of whether its common, it certainly looks like you've found yours is leaking from there. If its dry everywhere else that that pretty much says it all.