[datashovel]

Does this philosophy also assume the wealthiest won't try to manipulate scarcity in order to gain more wealth?

[golergka]

All sides manipulate everything they can to gain more wealth. But as the parent comment says, not every possible manipulation is rational.

[datashovel]

Is the only rational manipulation that which makes me more wealthy?

[tomrod]

Yes, if that manipulation is driven by you, and if "wealth" satisfies your subjective preferences. So it could be money and assets, or accomplishments, or relationships, and so on.