But the chances of a non-executive director having to fork out for corporate wrongdoing are tiny.

ECONOMIST: Non-executive directors

Plainly, the richer states, which have to fork out for their poorer neighbours, are keen on this.

ECONOMIST: A not-so-model system

Private companies have therefore to fork out for a big initial investment, and must pay a number of social charges that the town waterworks do not pay.

ECONOMIST: Profit stream

He and wife Paula, who were waiting for a ferry across the Camel estuary to Padstow, said second homeowners spent more money locally than other holidaymakers because they did not have to fork out for rent.

BBC: Second homes a double-edged sword in Cornwall's Rock

Will consumers be willing to fork out more for chicken dinners this winter?

FORBES: Connect

My same Hawaii honeymoon friend was ready to fork out actual cash for business class seats to Australia last year, and his travel agent actually talked him down and was able to upgrade coach seats on Air New Zealand with his United miles (he had already tried).

FORBES: Why You Need A Travel Agent, Part 2

On the other hand, people who are prepared to fork out hundreds of dollars for lunch or dinner expect their surroundings to be at least as sumptuous as their food.

ECONOMIST: The Michelin Guide

When consumers fork out hard-earned cash for a product, they are buying the emotion the brand gives them much, much more than a multiplicity of features.

FORBES: When the Shopping Gets Tough, The Tough Go With Their Guts

The commission's plan is for a cap on how much individuals must fork out before the state starts paying the bills.

BBC: Could care of the elderly haunt the Conservatives?

Would you gladly fork over the price of a meal in exchange for missing out on years of heartache and thousands of dollars lost?

FORBES: Starting a New Business? Take Someone To Lunch First