I thought the finder contacted a random apple support employee. The finder should be commended for even taking the effort to look up an apple support phone number if he actually did. The person who lost it should have plastered a lot of nice text messages to the phone with a number to call to return it from a friends phone immediately after noticing it gone. Say how you really need the phone numbers on it. A very low-tech solution that almost always works, you'd be surprised at the good-will of phone finders if they are presented with a super-easy way to return it that takes little effort on their part.

I understand that you're trying to push your point, but I feel it's a bit pointless trying to defend someone who knowingly sold stolen goods for $5k. The finder did not contact Apple, the bar where it was found, or the original owner. I can't see how someone can justify themselves by attempting to "contact" Apple, then turning around and selling it to the highest media outlet buyer.