The quote highlights a crucial flaw in the design of regulatory frameworks, especially in financial systems. Instead of prioritizing the protection of middle and lower-middle-income individuals who are most vulnerable to exploitation, existing regulations have often left them exposed. This systemic oversight reflects a misalignment between regulatory goals and the needs of those at risk of being taken advantage of financially.
The emphasis on safeguarding the interests of more affluent individuals leads to an environment where the economically disadvantaged find themselves with insufficient protections. The author's reflection in "The Big Short: Inside the Doomsday Machine" addresses this imbalance, suggesting that if regulations were created with the right priorities, they would enhance security for those who are most likely to be harmed.