i dont understand this mentality. The parent comment mentioned the main reason, its to ensure the device is wiped of IP. Then its simply due process, if you allow some people to keep the device then theres a whole discussion that needs to happen at firing about getting the device back and then returning it to the ex-employee. Its added trouble(cost) for the employer and the device belongs to them to begin with. I certainly never expected to keep a laptop after I left an org, and dont perceive that as stinginess, just sensible business.