The story is relevant, however, because we expect companies to protect personal and financial data even for people who are so profoundly foolish as to act against their own interest by patronizing them.

We accept that the tobacco companies sell an addictive product that causes cancer and COPD, among other diseases, but heaven help them if they should leak some customer data.

This is rather like Mrs. Lincoln complaining that she didn't get to see the end of the play.