Why are petty crimes treated like major felonies and vice versa?

Seriously, why does shoplifting a pack of biscuits get a criminal record while deliberately polluting a river gets a slap on the wrist fine that the company just writes off as a cost of doing business? It makes no sense. We're essentially telling people that stealing from big corporations is worse than poisoning our environment.

My idea is simple: a tiered system based on actual harm and intent. For low-level, non-violent stuff, like minor shoplifting or minor vandalism, especially if it’s someone genuinely struggling, we should focus on restorative justice and community service, not clogging up the courts and creating lifelong barriers for people. Get them cleaning up parks or helping out in community gardens. It repairs harm and gives them a chance to contribute.