Reading this thread is the official confirmation that Americans are out of their mind.
These types of situations are textbook explanations for WAR PROFITEERING (except we are in a crisis instead of war).
So who's model accounts for hoarding behaviors like this?
Meh. I don't think it is the same thing at all. There is no shortage of raw materials or of labor (as in war time).
There is an increased demand (irrational or rational doesn't matter). Best way to decrease demand is to let prices rise. It isn't really any simpler than that.
If politeness or customs or laws prevent the price from rising while demand continues to rise then the outcome is 100% expected: shortages where the product isn't available for any price.
It is our own mis-placed disdain for surge pricing that is creating the shortages.
That is just an assertion with no justification that goes against all standard economic theory.
That philosophy is pretty darn right-wing on economic and social issues. You can't just slap "personal freedom" on top of that and claim it comes out smelling like a rose.
Baloney.