That depends on what the rational person can afford. When they're thinking "500$ means I don't make my house or car payment this month and I'm not certain how

That depends on what the rational person can afford. When they're thinking "500$ means I don't make my house or car payment this month and I'm not certain how I'll feed my family", they may say "I'll take the 1$ bag", consequences-be-damned. And they're still a "rational" person.