This bothers me so much. It's a question of ethics and this argumentation just ignores that. Yes, taking somebody's work's copy and making use of it while disregarding the author of it is stealing.

Honestly people ignoring this are the ones who never really created original work themselves. Go write a song, or a book, paint something, create a unique program. And then watch somebody else earn money from it while investing none of your lost resources.

Copying is a poster child for getting something for nothing. Profiteering is not in the sole domain of nameless corporations.

Product development doesn't just fucking happen. It's an invention for people who want to live in a civilized society where investors and innovators aren't just sacrificial animals who get no reward for their effort. You can't compete with someone who gets the benefit of your labor without bearing any of the cost for it. The mental gymnastics to justify stealing is quite incredible.