As I see it, it helps to make a few distinctions regarding ethics. In the scenario that Matt offers, the destruction of the valuable card or other item would be base, lowdown, petty, and altogether mean. But I wouldn't accuse the guy who destroys the card of injustice. He owns the card fair and square and can rip it up as he pleases. But it still shows bad taste and dubious character. As for David's question about whether a million dollar profit can make something ethical, I don't think it would. Overwhelming duress can excuse an unjust action, but it does not transform an unjust action into a just one. The same thing goes for a base or dishonorable action.
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