Final answer:
Embezzlement is the larceny of items due to a violation of trust, often occurring in a workplace setting where an employee steals money or property. Even if the employee tries to justify their actions, it remains a criminal act.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term used to describe the larceny of items by virtue of trust, office, or employment is embezzlement. Embezzlement occurs when someone who is trusted to manage or monitor someone else's money or property steals all or part of that money or property for the embezzler's personal gain. This crime differs from simple theft or larceny because it involves a violation of the trust that has been placed in the embezzler by the owner of the funds or property.
In the scenario of the retail store cashier whose cash drawer has been coming up short, if it is found that the employee has been deliberately taking the money for personal use, this would constitute embezzlement. Moreover, if an employee uses excuses or justifications, such as stealing for a 'higher purpose', it still does not change the nature of the act, which is a criminal offense.