Perhaps he didn't think that he had crossed the line. It may be that the threshold is too low. Indeed, I haven't got a clue where the line is.
Out of interest, does punishment get issued where the victim of perceived abuse does not complain? I would be concerned if the line was being drawn subjectively by admin in circumstances where nobody felt the need to complain. Most of us are big boys and should be trusted to sort things out ourselves, surely?