But it is NOT a business expense. Although the first link is referring to cash donations, the same applies to Inventory - "If the payments are charitable contributions or gifts, you can’t deduct them as business expenses". Giving it to charity or to a friend (without a clear, definite business purpose) is not a business expense.
The first 4 of your 5 outcomes have a business purpose. Donating to charity is not a business purpose.
