It depends on the state you live in, but by and large, it is not the same. For example, in my home state, reneging on a rental agreement on a piece of property

It depends on the state you live in, but by and large, it is not the same. For example, in my home state, reneging on a rental agreement on a piece of property worth more than $100 is "Misapplication of Property," a misdemeanor. Actually stealing the exact same camera, as opposed to deceiving the owner, is "Larceny," a felony. Holding up the owner at gunpoint to steal the same camera is "Robbery," a much more serious felony. The law slices and dices these things finely. Sweet talking someone into handing over his property is often a crime, but it is usually not the same crime as simply taking it.