why do people feel the need to buy expensive cable

Something is wrong with dave_b. We don’t know what it is. But we suspect ye olde peaches and hamburgers syndrome.

I’m fine GK...no need for any of your special scam sauce on my burgers 🍔 

Whatever you may think of high end cables that cost more than most high end electronics or speakers, the cable manufacturers are laughing all the way to the bank. Fool an audiophile once, shame on him.  Fool him twice, shame on cable manufacturer. Fool him thrice, congratulations cable manufacturer.

dracule1 seems to be writing (at least to my understanding of 'High End) ordinary fools are buying $40,000 IC. I don't know anyone buying IC that cost more than most High End gear.I guess it is easy to make up fantasy and expostulate on the fantasy 'as if' it is reality. I also doubt HE knows anyone who "Buys cables that cost more than most High end equipment".               
First I would try to form a basic amount. How much money is the 'high end equipment' dracule1 is using as a basis? To me High End is like preamps and amps costing over $30,000. Speakers costing over $50,000.              
However dracule1 may have a much lower standard than I do as to what 'High End equipment costs.. Maybe as low as $3000?If it is $3000, Yup I own an IC I paid $3,200 for. And do not consider it a big deal. (it took me a number of years to decide to BUY that cable.. Just to add to the discussion, my IC cable percentage for my whole system is under 10%) And in the recent past I used a $1,100 IC cable on a DAC I paid $250 (used) for! (now I use that same $1,100 IC on a $7000 DAC.
Anyway, I disagree about the notion 'fools and their money'. I would just call it what folks choose to buy which makes their stereo sound better. I know some folks write about buying several AudioQuest Hurricane powercords, or even Dragon powercords. (for me, those are way too expensive..But if i could affor them, Yeah I would be buying them too.  just sayin'.)

I do not believe in the effectiveness of expensive, overpriced "wire."  I recently priced out  full stereo cable set up (minus power cables) of Nordhost's Odin line of cables.  If I remember correctly, the retail cost was $137,000.00.

Yes....they target fools with too much money.  Those who "can afford them" and don't have a clue, keep the scam alive.