That’s different: in this case the student was knowingly using a metered service and would have no reason for doing so other than shifting their cost to someone else.

That looks like it. Can't find any followup on the case or more importantly any ruling on the theft issue.

How is that analogous to hacking a device so you can tether to it and use its data plan to avoid costs yourself?

They gave it to him. They put it on his car.

Ooh, I'd love to hear that one in court.

"Your Honor, that sign on the entrance to the parking lot discussing parking restrictions and enforcement thereof somehow implied that they're giving me this device and authorization to use it how I see fit".

I suppose if someone leaves their wallet on the hood of your car while they're tying their shoelace, they've also authorized you to use their credit cards, right?

If your car gets booted and you pick the lock to remove it can you now legally sell the boot?

the same way the dockless scooter companies abandoned their scooters?

Yes. You can buy dockless scooters from some police auctions.