Which actions constitute theft according to the law?

The correct answer highlights the actions that are explicitly recognized as forms of theft within the law. Concealing and retaining property without the consent of the rightful owner are both integral components of theft. When a person conceals property, they are actively trying to hide or disguise it to prevent the owner from reclaiming it. This action indicates an intention to deprive the owner of their property.

Retaining, on the other hand, refers to keeping possession of property that one has no right to hold, particularly when that property was obtained unlawfully or without consent. This act mirrors the essence of theft by showing an unwillingness to return the property to its rightful owner.

Together, these actions encapsulate key behaviors that are typically criminalized under theft statutes, emphasizing the unlawful control over someone else's property. In contrast, simply hiding tends to lack the connotation of intent to permanently deprive the owner of the property, which is a critical aspect in defining theft. Thus, the choice specifying both concealing and retaining is aligned with legal definitions surrounding theft.