This type of looting signifies the belief that the masses hold dear that after a disaster the government will soon be rushing in to save them and restore things to normal. It's evidenced by their value appraisal that a TV is more valuable than a bag of beans.
Which draws the question. Immediately after a disaster, when law and order has collapsed, is it relatively safe to go to the local big box store and grab a few bags of beans. Considering that the majority of the looters would be in the electronics and small appliance department. And that no one would be looking to fight with you to take your bag of beans booty away from you. I wonder.