I do believe that people seek happiness. But, there are different types of happiness. One way to differentiate them is temporary and fulfilling happiness. Temporary is when people buy things they want, but not necessarily need. Things like excess clothes, toys, There's nothing wrong with doing it from time to time to reward themselves, but when it becomes an addiction and they do it for the 'high', that's when it becomes a waste. I think this is what most go for because it is a low hanging fruit.

The fulfilling happiness is usually when we do something not for ourselves; doing charity, making our love ones happy, etc. Getting something that we need or worked hard for also falls into this; like buying a house, getting the first car, etc. It's a shame that people don't put more effort into this, and take it for granted. This is the one that gives longer lasting happiness, and can even create lasting memories that they can look back to.