Agree with what you said on most points.
“the wealthy and powerful”
Not ALL wealthy are evil. I spent 35 years with 2 privately held companies. The ownership of both were very respectable families. Honourable, honest, patriotic, good to customers and employees. One company was sold but made it to the 100+ year of existence. The other is still in business and 150+ years old.
“the wealthy and powerful”
An ambiguous and generalized label.
Your rebuttal is correct, and quite appreciated.
Hopefully, you will find this a better description:
“Those who gained wealth and power through corruption.”