there is a big difference between gates / buffet and the wall...

there is a big difference between gates / buffet and the wall street fat cats

gates and buffet built their empires from scratch, so being excessively philanthropic is of no surprise and a great test to their character.. you will find they often work for a pittance salary wise also

wall street fat cats who make their way to the top of their firm walk with an expectation that they should be paid well (and more than their predecessor) - they are not entrepreneurs doing it for a greater purpose. while they will donate some of their time / money it will be no where near gates / buffet in % terms

no one is denying that a CEO or MD of a successful, growing company should be paid well. people are complaining about excessive bonuses that are in no way tied to performance being paid out of rescue funds that arguably should never have been extended