I don't want to hear that after a major disaster.
...and as a side effect, there are fewer generators available when they're really needed, *and* fewer people plan ahead and buy a generator before the next emergency, fueling deeper shortages when the next hurricane arrives.
Cornering the market is a good thing? During a disaster? I can understand that there are market mechanisms to correct such behavior in a normally functioning market when there is plenty of time to play around with and people aren't in survival mode. Major disasters aren't part of a continually functioning market either. The market may still work in some areas, but it gets disjointed in others, and people don't have time to wait around for it to correct.
"If that's more than you want to pay, then don't buy one."
---I don't want to hear that after a major disaster. ---
I suppose you'd rather hear "sorry, there are no more generators available"!
Take your pick.
You need a generator. For whatever reason, you must have it.
With anti-gouging laws in place, you can't get one.
With evil businessmen gouging you, there's one selling a generator you can afford.
In which situation are you better off?
Ah of course it is, then those who did should then be thrown a ticker tape parade as they strut proudly down Main Street. While those who donated goods... shame on them for hurting the hucksters.