dont think he meant anything by it, but i see what you mean about this compensation culture, in that they could've jumped in with all kinds of accusations if theyd wanted...
i suppose if it occurred to you to be innappropriate, then it will occur to other people too, and we hear often of ridiculous law suits & accusations made of innocent behaviour, by someone after a quick buck.
i dont think he should have touched her scars for any reason really... i wouldnt like some stranger just running their fingers over my scars, at least not without asking...any more than id like a stranger running their fingers on any part of me... its not necessary...but more because its personal space really than id think he was getting a cheap thrill out of it.
i suppose its a bit like people who think its ok to put their hands on pregnant womens bellies... some like it some dont. but people seem to think its ok and dont need to ask.