The main difference here seems to be between those who open packages and pay for it at the checkout stand vs. those who take food like bulk candy without paying at all. There's not much excuse for the former because those customers often expect the cashier to take and dispose of their sticky Coke cans, snack wrappers, etc., which is pretty inconsiderate.
But for thse who just take food without paying, no matter how little--even if it's just one piece of bulk candy--that's just plain theft, and no rationalization that the store "can afford it" can justify it. And what kind of lesson are parents teaching their kids when they let them get away with this, or worse yet, do it themselves!
And that crap about getting hungry and long lines? Gimme a break. What about eating before going shopping? That's not exactly rocket science.
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