There is a software called http://www.filerecoverymac.org that offers free demo download to recover the deleted items from the Mac hard drive. If you find this software useful, then you can purchase its full version.
Sorry to interrupt the thread but I hope my reply will bring some value. I found the software recommended above are either free to download or free to try (like the trial version or demo), but you need to pay for a full version and price not cheap. This blog article provides truly 100% Mac data recovery freeware, no kidding. http://data-security-freeware.blogspot.com/2011/05/truly-free-mac-data-recovery-software.html