I definitely see your point, I am just playing devil's advocate.

But think of how much influence someone with $2B today may have over politicians and what lifestyle they lead. If all of their other $2-billionaire friends were willing to cut down to $100M, the first person (who still has $2B) could potentially have 20x the influence they had before--because they didn't give in and relative wealth is higher. Then if they wanted they could shape the nation in ways they couldn't before, for better or for worse.

I mean, you're right: These people are short-sighted and would absolutely rather be king of a dump than VP of an advanced nation. Perhaps most people don't think like that on average, but these people are not the norm in any way.