The OP spoke of golf as a game played by the rule of ethics and honor. Bobby Jones famous penalty call on himself in tournament play because he believed he accidentally moved his ball ever so slightly is a prime example. I agree its one of the reasons many people are attracted to the game that and its civility.
Golf digest once did an informal study and scattered 25 expensive pitching wedges along greens on various golf courses. Of the 25, 21 came back to the club house. I have never played with anyone who found a club on the course and didn't immediately turned it over to an ambassador.
Executive course play here for all the obvious reasons is a little more relaxed but still many players abide by the rules. Championship play is more formal-stricter to the rules of play
Stealing is beneath contempt and those individuals victimized by such thefts feel very much violated
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