Fourier criticized the lax laws merchants had regarding food and how merchants were willing to starve the people just to sell the food at higher prices.
Explanation:
1808 in Théorie des quatre mouvements et des destinées génerales (Theory of Four Movements and General Destinies)
"Every day on the docks can you not see people throwing into the sea supplies of grain that a merchant has allowed to rot while waiting for a rise in prices."
"I ask in what respect the actions of this company differ from those of a band of thieves, for its monopoly compels the whole nation to pay a ransom equal to three times the value of the grain — or else die of starvation."
