The problem is that it rarely really ends. That's human nature, we always want more. People get rich and they want to be richer.
IIRC it was the Babylonians that made a reset on all debt each time a new king came to power. Debt was simply wiped out and everyone restarted on a more level playing field.
Our form of capitalism could do well with such an instrument.
Have to say, we humans are very creative when it comes to greed!