I am not sure that was true. Many biographies I read said that he gave away his patents or at least sold them for a very low price when Westinghouse complained that he was losing money, and ask Tesla to help him as a friend.

I am not sure whether "squander" is the right word to use here. To a Scientiest as ambitious and risk taking as tesla, a failed experiement would mean loosing wealth. But when you consider that all those failed experiments could have inspired/helped future generations, i find the word in appropriate.

just my first thought when i read it. no negativity intended.

Hah. It'd be quite impressive if either of them manages to squander their astronomical fortunes. Then again, they're both talented people.

Precisely my point.