Was that them being terrible at math, or them knowing that they were selling overpriced goods (00's houses, 90's tech stocks, probably college degrees) to folks who didn't know the math?

Big Finance knew it was hustling rubes, and then was able to ride the Gub'mnt Gravy Train when it became unsustainable.

That distinction is irrelevant to the current discussion if the outcome of both scenarios is 'unmathy'

If they ignore the math for whatever reason I would call that being bad at math.

plenty were personally enriched. the personal financials checked out from all angles.