> I’m assuming they meant to imply wealth is a measure of positive social impact

I don't see any basis for assuming that (again, I say this respectfully - I hold similar values to what I'm assuming you do)

> They also might mean it as a proxy for “rightness”

This feels closer, but still not right IMO. I see it more as a claim that "success" is "ability to achieve one's _own_ aims" - personally, internally-established objectives - whereas you (and I) are trying to tie "success" to external, pro-social measures. Basically, selfishness vs. community.