[OldGuyInTheClub]

The current crop of ultrabillionaires may lack many things but I don't think backbone is on the list. They are as ruthless as any robber baron or industrialist of old. They can buy, sell, and eliminate people and governments as they see fit. Good luck getting close enough to take actual or metaphorical aim.

[saulpw]

The ones who "made" their billions, sure. Not their kids.

[OldGuyInTheClub]

The Trump children haven't fallen far from the tree. Don't know about Bezos, Gates, etc. but if their kids (if they have them) were off doing socially redeeming works I'm sure it would be known. Private security is pretty good insulation against consequences, spine or no spine.

[colineartheta]

I think “backbone” in this context is a stand-in for “integrity” and/or “honor”. I think the fact that they can “buy, sell, and eliminate people and governments as they see fit” is the obvious proof that they don’t possess any real integrity, dignity, or honor for themselves or other people - so, no, they don’t have “backbone”. Power, wealth, sure. But not backbone.

[OldGuyInTheClub]

I don't know the movie. I took 'backbone' as a synonym for strength, will, and/or an iron fist to accumulate power and wealth vs. the other terms.