Marcus Licinius Crassus lived in Rome in the early first century BCE, and was often called "the richest man in Rome". He founded Rome's first fire brigade, 500 men strong - but instead of putting out fires, they would stand around while Crassus would offer the owner of the flaming property pennies on the dollar to buy it from him, and only if the owner accepted would Crassus's men put the fire out. He'd then rebuild and, if it was a residence, increase the rent.

I think of him any time I see a reference to Elon Musk.