When "persons" short the market the rule is they can short one hundred percent of the companies shares on issue.
If the shares are available (for shorting),. so it is only those available shares being shorted. As you said, the lenders of those shares can have two bites of the "cherry".
Some countries don't allow shorting, the ASX says it keeps the market on a level playing field. Keeps the shares at a reasonable value.
CXO Price at posting:
35.3¢ Sentiment: None Disclosure: Held
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