More like the filth was thrown by people who wanted to chase her off for begging.

The people begging for gold would be disappointed because she was using it to buy whatever people needed. It's kind of hard to trade in blankets and food for extra money when they're blankets and food for people in need.

As for the myth of "the undeserving poor"... yes, there are people who will try to take advantage of any charity. They are far fewer than many right-wingers believe. All the checks and balances and red tape do is make sure that those who really need are left to slip between the cracks and the shysters are left to dance through the system.

Personally, I'd rather have a few freeloaders at the table than let a whole bunch of others go hungry.

I've been in the tangle of red tape to attempt to get benefits. I heard all about the "welfare queens" but never actually found one to get her secrets.