What is profit?

[xfire]

I'm kicking around some ideas and concepts, all of which are rooted in the question, "What is profit?" Profit vs Loss, Loss vs Tax, Tax vs Credit, Credit vs Work, Work vs Production, Production vs Service, Service vs Dividend, Dividend vs Profit. Access to money is easier now than it has ever been, yet there is still a divide. How does a Nation rooted in capitalism bridge the income gap without blatant redistribution, and assuming there's a way to lift all ships should the largest be sent safely out to sea? Should institutions, incorporated or anointed, be included in the calculus? **** takes won't be appreciated. Thanks.