I think people can appreciate things just as much if they are given it vs. if they earn it. Now, the tendency is NOT to appreciate it as much if it is given, but people still have the ability to appreciate it just as much.

People are just too quick to judge kids who have nice stuff, saying they're spoon-fed and unappreciative...but before pointing the finger get to know the person and understand what they're about - people look so stupid being haters, and it often comes off as major jealousy - which makes them look like the bigger jackass in the situation.