Exodus 22:14Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

The livestock were certainly maintained for both labor and fertilization purposes. Whenever the owner was present with the animals, he could easily avert any unfortunate incidents that might arise from negligence or poor treatment. In his absence, the individual entrusted with the livestock assumed the owner's responsibilities and tended to them as if they were his own. Neglecting someone else's animals, which had been lent for personal use, resulted in a requirement to compensate for any damages incurred. However, if the person who provided the livestock did so for profit rather than out of goodwill, then after receiving a rental payment, he could not rightfully demand compensation for any harm or death to the animals, provided it was not a deliberate act.