While I would agree you can work hard and still not earn much and also what someone earns is rarely a reflection of the value they add to society, I think the (selective) quote above is misleading. In my experience, excluding inherited wealth/old school tie network/banking, most of us who make more money do so by working harder than most of our peers. Working harder increases chances of promotion and if you're working for yourself it increases chances of your business being a success.
In contrast there are people who have a job and do the bear minimum and then envy those who have 'done better' than them, ignoring the amount of extra effort they've put in.
Also all cars are subject to vat, therefore you buy an expensive car you pay more vat. So you are paying more.