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I want to reinforce at least part of what John is saying. My church places emphasis on promoting the common good. My premise is that society exists at least in part for the common good -- and that includes the good of every individual, not just a few.

There are certain goods that everyone needs -- food, shelter, basic education, security, basic health care, and the opportunity to work.

The system of property rights should be designed so that these common goods are guaranteed to the degree that is possible for a given society. (I understand that a poor country cannot guarantee as much as a rich country.)

Notice that I am not saying that we should maximize anything. That would lead us toward utilitarianism. And I am not saying that everyone should have the same amount of everything. That would be a form of egalitarianism. I am saying that certain basic goods should be guaranteed. Beyond that, I do not have a problem with some people having more than others.