Let's start with the biggest one which is that measures (let's say regulations) aimed at A (let's say megacorps) have their intended effect on A and most significantly on A.
In reality, the most influential and profitable companies will always have an easier way through whatever you throw at the sector then smaller, less profitable companies. The megacorps may even welcome / shape the regulation such that it harms their competitors that don't happen to have 30 lawyers on the payroll anyways.
Inflation likely started like a bank run, except instead of deposits, it was money being directly given to plebs.
This, among other issues likely started the inflation. As you note, this brrrrr machine had been running for over a decade.
Don't ascribe to delusional conspiracy what's easily explained by collective corporate greed.