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or be effectively giving a large cash handout to someone basically on the basis of happening to be around at the time

Or be paying someone in exchange for value. Loyalty and discretion are valuable. Why shouldn't someone compensate someone for that?

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If you're paying that particular nanny for exceptional value that is provided on the basis of her individual relationship with you, that's great and a good idea.

If you're paying it to whoever the nanny happens to be because you feel guilty about being rich, that's got less of a rationale behind it.

I can't imagine any parent hiring a nanny to care for their children who would hire "whoever the nanny happens to be". Your point is valid for a lot of other cases, but not this one.

If you're treating the nanny as fungible, then you should feel guilty about being rich, and hiding your bread price tags isn't going to help you!

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