Was that them being terrible at math, or them knowing that they were selling overpriced goods (00's houses, 90's tech stocks, probably college degrees) to folks

Was that them being terrible at math, or them knowing that they were selling overpriced goods (00's houses, 90's tech stocks, probably college degrees) to folks who didn't know the math? Big Finance knew it was hustling rubes, and then was able to ride the Gub'mnt Gravy Train when it became unsustainable.