Lloyd Blankfein, the CEO of Goldman Sachs, emphasized that savvy investors should not solely depend on trust when engaging with financial institutions. He suggested that individuals who purchased the banks' products are responsible adults who should understand the risks involved. This perspective reflects a broader attitude in some circles that places the burden of due diligence on the investors rather than on the institutions providing the financial products.

In Joseph E. Stiglitz's book, "The Price of Inequality," this notion is indicative of a larger issue within economic structures, where accountability often shifts away from powerful institutions. Stiglitz argues that such attitudes contribute to systemic inequalities and pose risks not just to individual investors but to society as a whole, highlighting the urgent need for reform in how financial products are marketed and sold.