Why I think its booty... booty.... that’s what it is....(-beastie boys sample ca. 1990s)
I have friends that have/had entire racks composed of found gear. What’s funny is some of the gear was found at the base of crags or mountains....
Whatever one thinks, the longtime accepted method in the climbing world is: if you abandon gear whichever way it happens, then it’s abandoned and you chalk it up as experiencing an adventure or epic or keep it silent due to self embarrassment.
If you think it’s stealing, then that implies it was taken from private property. Last time I checked most crags and mountains are on public property. So I suppose you are stealing from the public domain when/if you collect found gear or really you’re stealing from the government overlords who control us.
All hail the king and return your booty or be subjected to the 3 days in the public square pillory. (Insert appropriate emoticon here).
have a great day!