"It's the kind of change you find under the couch-cushions." (fred miller)

I like that - is it a quote, or an expression in use in your part of the world, or your own coinage?

The ridiculous thing is that the people who are " generally smart, informed, and calculating", and who might perhaps be deterred by harsh sentences, are the very people who can expect to get of with token punishnent. Notably white collar criminals - including those whose actions may have caused the deaths of large numbers of innocent people.

The real deterrent is knowing that it is virtually certain that you will be caught, and will be made to make good what you have spoilt.