It seems to be a transmission from the bible.  I think that's not entirely true either.  There are evils that have nothing to do with money such as committing crimes because of competing for beauty, because of wrong love, due to personal hatred, due to the impact of the social environment, leading to deviations in personality and morality... there are many problems related to evil, why do this? It is a common aspect and money is only one of the main reasons, not quite the root of evil things.