What determines the amount a retailer can charge, and win in civil court?
I've seen various amounts of money asked for stolen merchandise of different costs, and I am a bit confused.
If a stolen item was, lets say, $20, and was only taken out of the case, could a retailer seek the maximum of $500 and still win?
Looking at other cases i've seen people who attempted to steal $80 worth of items only charged $225 while people who have stolen considerably less have been charged the maximum.
490.5 doesn't specifically mention the reason for the civil demand other then that the retailer can pursue $50 to $500.
What is the control preventing the retailer from charging $500 for a considerably cheap item that was relatively undamaged? Why do some retailers seek more money then others when they can charge up to $500?

