Legally your statement is incorrect. Shares are ownership. The exchange for shares goes into working capital of the enterprise.
Stockholders own the entire enterprise.
As a former mutual fund manager and hedge fund manager I am familiar with what is purchased, who legally owns the company and how CEOs are compensated.
I defy you to tell me what part of the below is incorrect.
I am 100% correct, and you are 100% incorrect.
Stockholders voluntarily transfer their property to the corporation. Stockholders KNOW that some of their property will make its way into the pockets of CEOs. They, knowing this, voluntarily transfer their private property to CEOs. When I buy stocks (frequently) I know the CEO makes a ton of cash, but I voluntarily transfer my wealth to him anyway.