The beggar who refuses two bits is not so rich; they are frustrated. All their life they are left to suffer and struggle and what compassion is afforded by their fellow man? A penny here and there, a kind look of helpless sympathy, or some nugatory morsel unfit for an animal. But those people are kind. The beggar is also told to "Get a job", as if one can possibly receive a pay-check by mail when one doesn't have address. To some they are just another burden on a checking account, another reason for the state to tax the hell out of America some more. Why should we give them any sympathy, they're already living off us, off low grade voluntary public welfare? If they don't smile, damn it, they should be made to.
And it seems the Gospel of Wealth was burned too long ago for anyone to so much as care anymore.