Think of any typical alpha character; warlord, scholar, chief, sociopathic schemer, business magnate, prominent lawyer/judge, football captain etc.

This is the ideal person they see when they talk about being compassionate, charitable, nice, sweet etc. It is because they do not have to (they are not obliged), they don't suffer much from social chastisement if they misbehave (i.e yell a bum). And they do not much gain in social currency from admiration as they are already widely admired. Either way, they will eat well.

The reason why that compassion is so admirable is because it is perceived as coming almost entirely from sincerity. After all, their needs have all already met and they help another member of their tribe in order to spread the success, in order to spread his winnings to his fellow man. There is no fear, in his voice full of endeavor, of disapproval or rejection.

The members at the other end of the social ladder are far different. They have nothing to offer, so they offer their time and labor in exchange for social & actual currency. They are anxious went meeting up with others and are anxious if they will be accepted, they reek of self-loathing and loneliness. They are the poorest of the poor, and their poverty is not tied to their wealth (please clap). They can be well off and still gather these feelings among their peers; their desperation for approval, their need of validation.

History is full of poor men who have rose to social prominence while still being dirt poor (like say, Jesus of Nazareth). However, it was the charisma, their charm, their optimize and spirit not dimmed despite their circumstances that grew such a cult around them.

"A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love."