I remember talking to an ice-cream seller in Egypt and he asked me what I do for a living. When I told him I was an engineer he said 'so am I'. The predatory behaviour of Egyptian street sellers made more sense after that exchange but it never stopped grating. I think the best way deal with it is engage with the people in a friendly way and have a laugh. Most of the time people just need acknowledgement, that goes a long way.

I mean on a macro scale sure but I think most of them just don't like the stereotypical entitled and annoying tourist they've been routinely exposed to. Emotional responses rarely incorporate indirect economics.

usually.

but

let me introduce you to the native People of the southmost part of Bavaria/Germany .. almost Austria.

Example: A Boat-Person of the Beautiful Königssee spent almost all of the ride ranting about stupid dumb dumb tourists.. .to tourists. the rants were only interrupted by short lacklustre descriptions of the beautiful nature and rich history... and a forgetable music stop with agressive tip fishing.

Now, this was off season and in german. Well, german - a non native speaker would likely struggle to understand his thick accent liberally spiced with words only they use. Half the people on board have no idea what the angry noise is about. The others don't complain, they know: yes, this is a perfect example specimen. This is what the average local is like. this man is not rich probably, no, but certainly well off, safe, living surrounded by breathtaking nature and beauty....

And he hates everybody else with every fibre of their being.

I've met several people from this specifc small region, which is one of the most beautiful places in the world, who were exactly like this.

maybe their point is to protect this environment. every stranger is a potential danger to it, they dont want to risk. if they value the protection of nature over their livelihood, it can almost be seen as noble. just don't ask them what they vote for