What is the primary factor that differentiates grand larceny from other types of theft?

Grand larceny is primarily distinguished from other types of theft by the value of the stolen property. Typically, grand larceny involves the theft of items that exceed a specific monetary threshold, which varies by jurisdiction. This high-value criterion is what sets it apart from petty theft, where the value of the stolen goods is below that threshold.

Other aspects such as the number of items stolen, the physical violence involved, or the location of the theft do not fundamentally define grand larceny. While violence or the number of stolen items can be factors in criminal cases, they do not directly govern whether a theft is classified as grand larceny or a lesser offense. Therefore, the defining characteristic truly lies in the monetary value of what has been taken.