It is greed, and the cruelty which follows it; and sadly this affliction runs rampant among us. It causes pain, numbness and loss of coordination. It weakens us and it hampers our abilities. It's a wasting condition if left untreated. Ultimately crippling.
But we're hard to convince on these matters, stubborn as old mules we are. We're proud. We swear up and down that there's nothing wrong. Another day at work and it'll feel better. And while it keeps on not feeling better, we keep on pretending we don't feel it at all. Swearing we don't feel it. Complaining isn't good for profits, and management hates lost profits. Just follow management's cruel orders and things will get better.
Meanwhile the atrophy gets worse. Everyone mistrusts everyone else; they look up the ladder with malice and envy, and down the ladder with hate and fear. While one component grows and is strengthened, many others weaken, along with the health of the entire system.
The Invisible Hand needs a splint, before we need surgery.