The difference is that it used to be harder to concentrate massive wealth in the hands on one individual. It used to require very large companies, which were controlled by multiple people through shares and board positions. Companies themselves weren't allowed to grow too massive or achieve monopolies.

Lately all checks have gone out the window which has resulted in single individuals having control over mind-boggling amounts of resources. This changes the dynamics a lot because an individual will act very differently from a large board or shareholders.