When I write little scripts and tidbits of stuff (even policies or diagrams/documents) I have an interest in keeping a copy for myself for re-use plagiarizing at a later date. That script to synchronize backups that took 2 weeks of hair-pulling to get just right? Yeah, I might like to save myself the agony at my next job in a year?

That might be the thought that went through this programmer’s head, and I know plenty coders who will truly think that and nothing else about how this might be dangerous. (Yes, it’s right to call him out to be so callous and stupid with regard to the well-being of his family…)

Now, it’s another scale entirely to take an full system of code that is obviously sensitive, private, maybe even a trade secret. But I can understand why he may have stupidly done this, though I don’t mean to condone him for it. However, this does illustrate a difference between malicious intent and mistake, which could help limit his liability/fines.

Moving on, couldn’t he just rebuild his ideas for someone else? Maybe Goldman should lock him up in a vault.

/devil’s advocate

And if the competitors get the code, Goldman can still make money. In fact, it would make the market more predictable for them. They are going for this thief’s balls, and he’s going to hurt, because his lawyer will not be able to do anything against Goldman’s $1000/hour team of corporate attorneys.