I know what it is like to not get paid by an elevator. Makes a person take a greater interest in the financial strength of the places he sells grain to.

There probably does not seem to be a difference to the person who is not getting paid but there is a difference potentially in ethics. If the farmer had gotten in financial trouble and declared bankruptcy then it would be the same as the elevator not paying because it was insolvent. The amount couldn't be paid.

For a person who has the corn, knows it is contracted and can be delivered, and simply chooses to ignore the contract and sell the corn for a higher price somewhere else, this is simply stealing. He had a choice and chose dishonesty.

I see that as a big difference. Dishonesty vs. lack of ability.

John