You’re underestimating the sheer entitlement produced by executive wealth.

I’m watching this exact scenario play out. My stepfather spent decades treating his kids to an bottomless piggy bank for business ventures and personal debts. Now that he’s retired and married to my mother, he stopped funding the circus. His Ivy-league educated adult offspring immediately cut all contact until he pays up. When a relationship is built purely as a financial transaction, turning off the money means turning off the relationship.

I disagree. I can absolutely see this happening.

That said, I do get what you're saying. Usually the person who has been cut off will paint themselves as a victim.

My wife knew a man who was murdered because he wouldn't keep giving his nephew money. I get your smell test, probably because the parent is an asshole, but it certainly happens.

Agreed, I cut contact with my dad because he's a narcissistic, bipolar asshole that refuses to get any therapy because "he's the only normal one around here". Well, except for the 10 Sessions of court mandated Anti-aggression therapy, where he actually got into an argument with his therapist because he said that he's feeling fine, and therefore shouldnt have to change.

Sure, your wife and son left within a few months, and it's everyone else's fault.