Looting (which derives via the Hindi lut from Sanskrit lunt, to rob), sacking, plundering, or pillaging is the indiscriminate taking of goods by force as part of a military or political victory, or during a catastrophe or riot, such as during war http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/middle_east/2941733.stm, natural disaster http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/262848.stm, or rioting http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/1722584.stm. The term is also used in a broader (some would argue metaphorical) sense, to eggregious instances of theft and embezzlement, such as the "plundering" of private or public assets by corrupt or overly greedy corporate executives or government authorities. The proceeds of all these activities can be described as loot, plunder, or pillage.