They try to make it equivalent so they can classify people who smash windows in protest as “violent criminals” in order to increase the penalties which is a complete mischaracterization. If the act of vandalism has knock on effects then those are separate from the act itself and should be dealt with separately.
I understand, my brother only ever fucked over everyone else except me (probably because he knew what would happen) and it was an ever frustrating thing. I miss him but I think it’s for the best that he isn’t around to do more damage.