Basically, this is a question in response to this article: http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304027204579335033824665964
I know that if you configure your device to use MS Exchange, then the server admin can wipe your phone (source: http://apple.slashdot.org/story/10/11/23/2050239/when-your-company-remote-wipes-your-personal-phone). What about when you use the Gmail app?