Nick describes the wealthy as a "rotten crowd" because they?

• A. smash things and let others clean up
• B. stay aloof and silent
• C. hoard wealth
• D. gossip about others

Answer: (D)

The line targets the moral recklessness and accountability-free mindset of the wealthy. Nick is criticizing how they create chaos or harm and then retreat behind their wealth, acting as if nothing is their fault. This is captured best by the idea of smashing up things and leaving others to deal with the mess, then hiding in money or a vast carelessness. That kind of destructive behavior without responsibility is what makes them a “rotten crowd” in his view.

The other traits listed don’t capture that specific critique. Staying aloof and silent describes detachment but not the active damage and avoidance of responsibility. Hoarding wealth implies stinginess rather than the destructive, careless conduct Nick condemns. Gossip about others is a social behavior, not the moral collapse and reckless impact Fitzgerald highlights.