[cableshaft]

But they've already made out like bandits in the meantime, and can move on to the next company to raid (I mean, be an executive of).

Like you can make $5 million a year now, but have things suddenly end on you at some point when things come crashing down, but probably not for several years, or you can make $1 million a year, but play it safe, and in five years get a $7 million long-term bonus.

Might as well get as much out of the company now and trust the government will bail you out (or not, what do they care, they can just move on to the next thing, and even if not, they've already made a shit ton of money, they could just retire, no big deal).