The syntax to reference a model item in  view is

<attribute-ref name="xxx" />

This syntax is used to reference attributes, but also properties. This choice has been made because when someone wants to reference a model item in a view, he does not have to know if this item is an attribute or a property.

Also, in CMS-10390, we will want to reference a model item via its path, not just its name.

Here could be the new syntax:

<item ref="xxx" />