While you may be fine in this case, be careful with that sort of action. When in dispute with a client, even a deadbeat, you have to be really careful what actions you take. Their failure to pay may well be a breach of contract, but under the law your right to pursue that is in court, not by throwing a brick through their window or interfering with their business.

You cannot cause harm to someone because they stole from you by not paying you. That is not proper, legal recourse.

I have been in the situation where I decided the most prudent action was to "shake the dust off [my] feet" and learn to screen engagements better.

I think you may be confused - I read that as the client deleted the wordpress instance, not the contractor.

On second reading, you are right! I did misread that. Sorry, piratebroadcast for reading into your statement something that you did not do.

but of course they can cause harm to you...

> The guy is just a fucking idiot. Cant fix that.

Well, who's the idiot? The idiot or the one who took him on as a client?

Again, screen. Don't blame the client. Blame yourself for taking him on as a client and then do a better job of screening. This will come with experience.