Stealing, or theft, is understood as the unlawful taking of anotherâ(TM)s property. Copyright infringement is unlawful. Copying software without a license/permission is copyright infringement. Therefore, copying software without a license/permission is theft.
It has nothing to do with depriving anyone of anything, but simply a taking without permission.
Otherwise you could argue that taking your neighborâ(TM)s jewelry is not theft if they donâ(TM)t wear it since itâ(TM)s not depriving them of its use.
This is not legal advice. Please consult a lawyer for legal advice.