The problem is that the economy is often seen as more than a mechanism for efficient allocation and transfer of resources: for many, it's also a source and enforcer of moral order.

"People who work hard and play by the rules should have a shot at success. People who don't work shouldn't be given handouts. Corporations who misbehave shouldn't be bailed out, because they're just incented to misbehave again. We should drug test welfare recipients even though it ultimately costs us more than it saves us, because drug addicts shouldn't get welfare." etc etc etc.