In ‘Given Time’, Derrida discusses the notion of the gift and generosity as unconditional hospitality. However, considering the conflicts imbedded in this is necessary as well, acknowledging the economic instinct of human beings such as claiming ownership, earning a profit, or demanding for care.

Sociological experiments, often realized through a game, have the intention to observe human behavior and test human borders of altruism and egoism. The Ultimatum Game has been of particular interest for the work Untitled (Gold). In this game, two players are offered a chance to win a certain sum of money. All they must do is divide it. The proposer suggests how to split the sum. The responder can accept or reject the deal. If the deal is rejected, neither player gets anything. The rational solution, suggested by game theory, is for the proposer to offer the smallest possible share and for the responder to accept it. Generosity is defined as an offer greater than the minimum amount needed for acceptance.

Greed, as implicated by the Ultimatum game, links to another reference. The film Greed (1924) directed by Erich von Stroheim ends, in a way, as how the final of the Ultimatum game can end.