[lukevp]

Giving up a large portion of your life to work for a company isn’t enough of a party to a contract in this regard? Someone could conceivably take this job over others, or not leave as early, if they have assurances of severance. It’s not a gift any more than paying someone for employment is a gift, so I don’t see how this has anything to do with charity.

[thaumasiotes]

That wasn't done in exchange for Elon Musk's severance offer. Existing employees when he took over were... already employees when he took over.