The problem is that while “protection of self or others” is often spelled out properly in criminal law, civil law can be another story. And as a national chain Wal-Mart has to have a uniform policy regarding regarding an employee’s use of force. And if the attacker had suffered a broken bone or two, there are states where he would be able to sue Wal-Mart for its employee injuring him. Wal-Mart has written its policy with a view towards minimizing that kind of liability. As always with Wal-Mart, it’s all about the money.