Mac users served info-stealer malware through Google ads (opens in new tab)

Adblocking does not constitute "theft" under even the most strained comparison. Just because the post office keeps putting trash in my mailbox doesn't mean it's theft for me to only keep the letters I care about. Throwing ads/spam/trash into the bin instead of keeping it in my house is not theft.

"you wouldn't download a car"

heck yes i would

are you implying that consuming media whilst blocking ads is stealing or do i just not get the sarcasm here. genuinely can't tell.

you're right about the second part i guess. not everything is intended for a public audience (like some cringe video clip with friends from a few years ago). with everything else (cinema, music etc.) i'd argue that my need for entertainment is more important than making sure some billionaires make 20 bucks on my purchase, especially if i can't afford it.

personally, i pirate everything and pay for stuff made by independent creators (foss devs, indie artists etc.) that i really like. perfectly moral

I don't know if that's what the OP meant with that question, but I do think this is a valid question: why don't they? It would certainly improve the user experience.