There are a lot more instances of content being stolen lately?

Ive seen a bunch of threads lately about content theft, it seems to be happening a lot more than it used to, but the good thing about it is, it also seems to be getting made public a lot more also.

Why are more people stealing content these days, have we gone back to the mindset of 'public domain' where if something is published online it is free for all and sundry to use however they feel fit?

Regards,

Lee