Of course, we can argue, “Oh, well, we don’t know what he’s using his money for, etc.” The same way, the winner of a poker game could declare the game was not zero-sum because he’s going to donate his or her winnings to a charity – better yet, the other players are drug addicts and their money may have have gone to contribute less well-being.

Does the very game itself create any wealth though? No. Does a stock trade itself create any wealth? No. Zero-sum.