Buffet has complained about how he has to be subtle to move in or out of positions because he is so big he creates his own weather. He seems to care whether he makes money from making good choices versus brand recognition. It sounds like he has to use third parties to do big moves and of course they are going to want to take a bite. Nobody is going to move millions of dollars of inventory for you out of the goodness of their hearts.
Someone who does not give a shit can do a lot of damage without technically breaking the law.
> He seems to care whether he makes money from making good choices versus brand recognition.
No, no, no he doesn't. He has to be subtle so people don't realize what he's doing and pile in ahead of him and drive up the price before he has a chance to build up a position. It has nothing to do with "caring" about how he makes his money.
Genuinely curious, has Buffett said this before in an interview somewhere or have you asked him personally? OP wrote “seems to,” but your response suggests more confidence.
He has been quoted numerous times about avoiding having people front-run him over the last 50+ years. He negotiated special disclosure rules with the SEC at one point to avoid disclosing new positions quickly, IIRC.
There aren't any formal rules that he lives and dies by, but read "Buffett: The Making of an American Capitalist" by Lowenstein. Buffett -- or at least Lowenstein captures -- expresses concern for people buying before he does.
Someone who does not give a shit can do a lot of damage without technically breaking the law.