The word "prodigal" does indeed primarily mean spending money or resources freely and recklessly; wastefully extravagant. However, it can also be used more broadly to describe someone who is lavishly generous; giving profusely or excessively. The term originates from the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, where "prodigal" refers to the wayward son's lavish and wasteful spending.
Over time, the nuances of the word "prodigal" have expanded, and it can now be used in a variety of contexts to describe any sort of excessive or wasteful behavior, not just financial. Additionally, it can sometimes be used in a positive light, emphasizing generosity and abundance rather than waste.
Over time, the nuances of the word "prodigal" have expanded, and it can now be used in a variety of contexts to describe any sort of excessive or wasteful behavior, not just financial. Additionally, it can sometimes be used in a positive light, emphasizing generosity and abundance rather than waste.