I've known wealthy people, or people of social standing, who end up taking small liberties that eventually turn into big risks. They tend to think that they can't lose, until they do. Wealth and status provides them a sense that they can't lose. That is until they cross the line. Those same people quickly get shunned or lose a large portion of their wealth.

Obviously, this is not ubiquitous. There are some who remain humble and principled. But they don't tend to seek social status to begin with. They tend to their business and families quietly and out of sight.