During a Storm in Tornado Alley, a House Is Destroyed

Essay

During a storm in Tornado Alley, a house is destroyed, but its owner Dorothy survives. Dorothy plans to return to the site to salvage her possessions, but she delays. Meanwhile, Elliott combs through the ruins and removes all useful items. Dorothy learns of the recovery and files a suit against Elliott, claiming that the items are hers. Elliott responds that the destroyed house was abandoned and therefore he has good title to whatever he took possession of. What is the court likely to rule, and why?​