But they're only going act out of their own self-interest. If society is structured as such that solving practical physics problems that could improve society t

But they're only going act out of their own self-interest. If society is structured as such that solving practical physics problems that could improve society through solving engineering problems and raising our standard of living is less valued than only using one's intelligence to game the system to take money from the less intelligent, then this is society's failing, not theirs. Disclaimer: I'm of the opinion that it's better for society's best and brightest to use their skills to improve society for themselves and everyone else in the most universally helpful manner.