Summa Theologiae Moralis, vol. I: De Principiis

S. Th. II-II, q. 118; de Malo q. 13.

503. Avarice is the inordinate appetite of riches: for by the name of riches come all exterior goods insofar as they are useful to man and can be estimated in money.

Avarice is twofold: 1) the inordinate appetite of riches in unduly receiving and retaining, which is opposed to justice and therefore is often gravely evil; 2) the inordinate affection for riches by which they are loved or desired too much or please too much in delight, which is opposed to liberality, and of itself is lightly evil, unless because of the affection for riches one does not fear to commit some mortal sin, or places in riches the last end.

504. From avarice seven vices more frequently arise, as from a final cause, which are called its daughters. Insofar as it is immoderate in retaining, there arises 1) hardness of heart or inhumanity against mercy toward neighbor; insofar as it is immoderate in receiving, there arises 2) in affection: unrest or superfluous solicitude about acquiring goods; in effect: 3) violence, when one uses force to acquire goods, 4) fallacy, and 5) perjury, when one uses deceit in words or symbols, or things confirmed by oath, 6) fraud and 7) treachery, when one uses deceit in deed or with respect to things, or with respect to persons, as is evident of Judas who out of avarice betrayed Christ.