Wow, what a tale. All that wealth, and they could not, did not know how to enjoy life. And she trusted a shady guy.

Her husband's attitude even in the midst of the first kidnapping said it all about what was most important to him, too:

"His first sentence, once police brought him home, was that his wife should have negotiated harder."

So, he thought that she should've brought down the ransom amount even more! When she was negotiating for his life!

Reminds me of the joke by Jack Benny, who had the stage persona of a cheapskate:

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In an episode that was broadcast March 28, 1948, Benny borrowed neighbor Ronald Colman's Oscar, and was returning home when he was accosted by a mugger (voiced by comedian Eddie Marr). After asking for a match to light a cigarette, the mugger demands, "Don't make a move, this is a stickup. Now, come on. Your money or your life." Benny paused, and the studio audience—knowing his skinflint character—laughed. The robber then repeated his demand: "Look, bud! I said your money or your life!" Benny snapped back, without a break, "I'm thinking it over!" This time, the audience laughed louder and longer than they had during the pause.//

Source: liquisearch.com/jack_be…