gmartell

I have to admit the Kohl's 'sale price' thing totally worked on me. I bought a piece of luggage that was marked down from around $300 to around $150. I felt very good about having acquired such a fine item for half price. Later I wondered if I would have felt as good paying $150 without thinking it was 'worth' $300. Of course I would not have.

I like your hypothesis but fear the reality is less benign. To me it seems most ('those at the top' as you put it) do what they do in an attempt to obtain ever more money and power - never satisfied with how much they already possess.