Well, it's property of his workplace, and they're usually resold when the employee gets a new one. And it's not exactly mint any more, is it.
Idk if it's common anymore, but some companies rent equipment rather than purchase it. So they'd have to return everything back to the rental company, who is expecting normal wear and tear, not intentional "customization."
> they're usually resold when the employee gets a new one
Are they? Everywhere I've worked they get shoved into a storage closet and ignored for another 5-7 years