In "The Destructors," what motives for destruction can you eliminate based on what T. says to Mr. Thomas and what the boys do with the money?

Firstly, note the way that T. disposes of the savings of
Old Misery that he finds stashed in the mattress. It is clear from what T. does with the
money that he has not destroyed Old Misery's house for purposes of gain or personal
enrichment. Note what he says to Blackie:

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"We aren't thieves," T. said. "Nobody's going to
steal anything from this house. I kept these for you and me--a celebration... We'll burn
them," he said, "one by
one."

The way in which they
burn the notes seem to symbolise a chilling sense of nihilism through rejecting what the
world places value in.

Likewise, it is clear that when the
boys lock Old Misery in his own outside bathroom that personal vengeance and cruelty
have nothing to do with their act of destruction. Note what is whispered to Mr. Thomas
when he is safely locked up:

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"Don't worry, Mr. Thomas," it said, "we won't
hurt you, not if you stay
quiet."

This impression is
further reinforced by the way in which they give him food and a blanket to keep himself
warm. They obviously do not want him to be hurt or damaged in anyway, at least
physically.