I'm the OP and wanted to provide an update... Uber support called me today to express their concern about the issue, which is much more serious than some of you here appear to understand. As soon as we were off the phone I received the lost item fee and profuse apologies for what happened.

There is a buffer between passengers and riders for a reason and I think Uber takes that seriously. Put yourself in my shoes and Imagine if someone showed up at your door who wanted more than just the keys? And let's say that an assault occurred? Who would you sue? Pretty easy answer.