I dont think this kind of opp cost can be written off. They have an asset, but are choosing to let it depreciate without capitalizing on current value. It's just sitting there, and Medjuck is most likely correct in that at least as far as physical media goes, theyre losing any potential income that they could have by licensing it. The market for physical media aint growing. Who knows what the future holds really, but there most likely wont be money for them in streaming. It would seem that if they didnt want to make money on it that they would at least donate them or make it publically available in some way. Everybody loses in this case, so at least thats equitable.
Well, on 2nd thought, that depreciation may work in their favor on the balance sheet. As well, if they end up selling at a loss, that does cover some potential tax issues. No idea how cynical these folks may be, but if that's the game they're playing then rapacious would be on the mark.