Money is nothing but stored potential. It is the potential to do something with it. Perhaps other people's work is stored in the value of the money. For instance, people at any station in life have to submit to its rules and conformities. These rules can manifest themselves in the form of social obligations and dress codes.
People compare themselves to their surroundings, being happy if they are above it.
Perhaps they have forgotten that their surroundings can be filth. Another goal is to prove how smart one is. Maybe this is also connected to beating the next door neighbor. These goals are just comparative. It was you who ended up with a broken leg.