There's a perception amongst the 'ordinary' people that those at the top scratch one anothers backs. The government spin is that we're all in this together but the reality seems to be different. It's not surprising when you see how politicians when they retire often go on to get directorships at banks. Or how in the case of our most toxic bank, the chief executive apparently used to personally handle loans to politicians and other influential people. Politicians have talked the talk but when it has come to punishing those responsible nothing happens. Constitutional property rights are cited. They'd love to do something but their hands are tied or it would spook the markets or to paraphrase you the effect would be negligible so let's not bother. Much more would be raised by milking the masses some more.

"stop with pussyfooting around and just put them in prison already."

I'd love to work on this but they either broke the law or didn't. However, it might make a bankster think twice when they understand that illicit behavior could cause all their ill-gotten gains to evaporate. It's not ideal but it's a start.