No attack read into it. But I'm not saying that the parent is being insulting by not buying a toy for their kid, I'm saying that the parent is being insulting by saying that it's too expensive to buy. There's a difference.
When I was a kid, I got the "it's too expensive" line all the time. When I hear it in the isles, it's that same dismissive tone. When the tables were turned and my kid started asking me for stuff, I remembered how I felt and how mean all those other parents sounded. Therefor, I never once told my kids that anything is too expensive. We just talk it through - why do you want that? Where are you going to put it? Do you still play with that other toy we bought you? Joking - what are you gonna buy for me? Keeps my kids engaged, not disrespected. Sure, not all parents are being insulting or disrespectful, but I sure hear a lot who are.