I have a theory, or perhaps it's more an observation, or is a hypothesis??????

First where this comes from - addiction, such as alcohol, drugs, gambling etc.  Much more is understood about what can cause some people to become addicted, but still not enough.  And I believe that not enough credence or study is given to those who have 'lesser' or 'minor' addictions, such as workaholics. 

This is not about OCD.

From my own family experiences I know how these addictions when unchecked or un-acknowledged allow a person's personality to change and not for the better.  One thing that goes out the window is conscience, being able to genuinely think and care about others and so on.

Well, I've come to this conclusion from observing others who would apparently seem to not have any addiction - but it's still there.

It's Greed.  I have been watching people; with (to use the old phrase) more money than sense, behave in ways which directly match the behaviours of those with known addictions.

They more they get, the more they become totally focussed on getting what they want at any cost and getting more of it, at the expense of socially acceptable behaviour, and possibly even actively blocking all conscience about how their actions and demands wreck the lives of others.

They lie - with remarkable ease and regularity.  They cheat - but that's ok. of course, as long as they keep getting their fix.

So, whilst people might acquire wealth through inheritence, work, or luck, some will handle their wealth in a totally acceptable social way however that be meaningful for them, but others will indulge in a frenzy of addictive behaviour that only gets worse and allows their inherent need for a greed fix to drive their abysmal behaviour towards others.

It has been noted that anger can become an addiction, although I would argue that it may not have the same outcomes.  And yet, I don't think happiness ever causes addiction to being in that state.

Hmmmmmmmm - that's enough for now.