Time and again, we see CEOs and similar executives make horrible decisions that massively damage a company both financially and in terms of reputation and the perpetrator is forced to resign, yet receives so much money as a going away present you’d think they’re being rewarded for their fuck up. Why??
Because the people that set compensation is the board of directors, and they are composed of other executives. They want to set the precedent for themselves.
Also, they are all generally good friends, and want to make sure they keep the wealth “where it belongs”