>>19837652I think at its core, it's "impulse"
If we're using Maslow's hierarchy of needs, most average people are occupied fulfilling physiological and safety needs and love and belonging when possible.
Being wealthy allows you to mostly focus on the upper tier needs since your money allows you to more easily sustain homeostasis and sex/reproduction if needed.
Studying for things tend to be driven by the upper two tiers, though rarely will someone admit they're doing it for esteem but their action betray their words.