In the specific case of offsite tape archival, let's say someone who has the authority to do so requests that they destroy all tapes.
Most service providers (who stay in business) have enough compliance features in place so that multiple authorized people have to be in collusion, a sufficiently senior executive must make the request, or there will be a "package" ready to be served to the client and relevant policing unit (police, FBI, whatever) so that charges can be brought against the malefactor efficiently.
While you may be limited in financial compensation by your contract with the service provider, it is absolutely in their best interest to avoid the situation with procedures (they do not want to be a party to a crime) and if those fail, to provide extensive records of the movement and disposition of those tapes.
Most service providers (who stay in business) have enough compliance features in place so that multiple authorized people have to be in collusion, a sufficiently senior executive must make the request, or there will be a "package" ready to be served to the client and relevant policing unit (police, FBI, whatever) so that charges can be brought against the malefactor efficiently.
While you may be limited in financial compensation by your contract with the service provider, it is absolutely in their best interest to avoid the situation with procedures (they do not want to be a party to a crime) and if those fail, to provide extensive records of the movement and disposition of those tapes.