all modifiers to generate face/vertex/edge groups which can then be deleted by a delete modifier

The delete modifier would delete a group of faces, edges or verts. The group would be created by a modifier up the stack.

For example you could have some text with this stack:

1. solidify (generates a group for back faces, a group for the front, and a group for sides (rim))
2. boolean modifier (this is why we needed a solidify)
3. delete modifier (removes the back and side groups leaving just the booleaned front face)