"Taking issue with someone spending their own money as they see fit" has nothing to do with large government or small government. Anyone is free to disapprove of other people's choices in life. If I say I disapprove of parents allowing their adolescent and pre-adolescent daughters to dress like prostitutes, that is not an endorsement of a new socialist program to require modest conformity in female attire -- it's just an expression of my disapproval.
I didn't suggest that anyone, much less any government, try to interfere with how these people spend their money. But all this indignant sputtering over how they deal with each other is ridiculous. Not to mention that statements from various sputterers quoted in the article seem to be implying that there SHOULD be some involvement of governmental law enforcement in the activities of these reckless climbers, e.g. the ExplorersWeb saying "The ignorance of Chinese authorities for anything but to charge permit fees has led to an over-crowded, lawless and dangerous situation on Everest's north side" -- sounds to me like they're saying Chinese authorities ought to running law enforcement operations on the mountain -- I'm saying leave whoever's dumb enough to go up there to sort it out for themselves.
But you seem willing to condemn them solely on the basis of their having spent that money on a foolish pursuit having overflown destitute and starving people in the process who could have put that money to better use. That's a value judgement on your part and when people render judgement about how others live and spend their money it indicates at least a willingness to insist that they spend it on something more "worthwhile".
Your expression of disgust at their choices is more in line with those who wish to use government and taxation to enforce on others their idea of what's right. If you don't believe that's what you imply with your sentiments then you need to more closely examine your own beliefs.