"A con artist swindles elderly people out of their life savings." In the examination of the crime, we have someone who has preyed on the weak for undisclosed reasons -- the possibilties ranging from greed to a desperation to provide for one's children (a motivation is not given).
The con artist is not entitled to forgiveness; he does not deserve it. No one is automatically deserving of their victim's forgiveness. Forgiveness can only be given by the victim (also, someone can still be punished, even if they are forgiven). The elderly person(s) harmed by the crime would be doing a good thing in granting forgiveness, but the con artist is not entitled to that forgiveness (and he/she would still most likely be punished by the justice system).
