Actually, the principle is exactly the same: I will be generous and compassionate with YOUR money. The fact that people have been able to smear the company for firing a thief does nothing to alter the underlying principle.
In every job I have ever held, it is a firing offense to take so much as a paper clip. This guy is a apparently an habitual thief. I disagree from you, I believe the company has the right to and in fact a duty to fire thieves.
Oy! Firing people over a paper clip? This is not my conservatism. Too hardline for me.
I take that back. I once worked for an egg distributor who allowed us to eat eggs on the premises.