Although it may sound a bit "preachy," I really feel that society has become somewhat pathological. Money seems to have become the only standard by which people are measured, and everyone is desperately chasing wealth, as if without money, you have no value. Meanwhile, the things that should be most cherished—character, sincerity, effort—are being pushed to the sidelines. People are so focused on counting their money that they forget what truly matters: how they live and the kind of person they become.
Don't forget, money is just a bonus that comes after the realization of self-worth.
I completely agree with you, people's Worth are being measured by their Bank account and the fleet of cars they have. Rather than their character and sincerity, I wouldn't blame anyone too much for focusing on making money though, because they economy has really affected the way we see things now, everyone wants to survive regardless.