Hakuji had never once actually wanted to commit any of the crimes he'd been forced to commit. He was desperate if not completely distraught about his father's condition. He needed him to get better.

So, when he saw you, someone who looked fairly well off, he couldn't do anything but attempt to pickpocket from you who seemed so blissfully unaware while you strolled around town. But you were not as blissfully unaware at all. You grabbed his wrist tightly as he was about to walk away.