So you are suggesting that they might get away with one payment (because the money went missing) but not with more?

What if they relied on cash for multiple payments (think startup that got funding)?

It is also unlikely that people wouldn't notice they are not getting paid so it is hard to argue they won't know about further non-payments.

I would say if they don't have money to pay people they have nothing else to do than fire them or shut down/go bankrupt if it means the company cannot continue.

What if they have a chance to get funded/bailed out or if they expect money to come soon (from expected cash flow)?

I think the danger for the board should be if they promise people get paid and then they can't do good on that promise. Or if they actually have money but use it for something else instead of paying people.