When Determining Inequality, People Consider What Might Justify an Inequality

When determining inequality, people consider what might justify an inequality such as salary differentials. Who or what do they look to?

A) national ideologies (capitalism, communism, socialism, etc.) and institutions (government, academia, unions, certification boards, etc.)
B) the golden rule, national myths (e.g. rags-to-riches stories) , common sense, etc.
C) the adage of resignation that "some are more equal than others"
D) education, entrepreneurship, and expertise