There is a line sometimes that gets crossed
I used to play cards at lunch with a diverse group of people. One of them constantly complained about how underpaid he was. I never disagreed, but since he worked in another group, there wasn't anything I could do.
He used to make smart comments about me being rich because I was management. He was quite incessant. Now I am a manager, but to be honest don't make a huge salary, can't charge overtime even though I do it. My wife is unable to work and I've got three kids. I'm not complaining, I don't want for much, but I am far from rich, and I do from time to time have money problems.
So at one point I snapped. He had something about increases in the benefits costs, but of course I didn't care because I was a rich manager. I lost my temper and told him that unless he walked a mile in my shoes, he should keep it to himself.
It took him a day, but he did apologise and I think got a better understanding that it wasn't as simple as he suggested.
Of course I wouldn't quit over such a thing, but I wasn't willing to let the situation continue. Being a manager, I guess I had the position to be able to address it.
