>>713778748 (OP)1. Penalty for a crime is a fine.
Yes, that's how tort law, civil courts are. You're only entitled to damages from the infraction. It doesn't make sense to jail a guy for 30 days for denting your bumper, when the cost of the damages is $500 and they can just pay it off.
2. "Earning a living" doesn't imply you "don't deserve to be alive". Classic retarded commie platitude. The fact is that to live, you need feed, shelter, etc. and that requires WORK to produce. You have to sustain yourself, or you're a parasite, which for a totally capable adult, is inexcusable.
3. Yes, you are free to starve. If you're also free politically, then there's nothing inhibiting you from pursuing work or food. IE you're free.