What motivates Tony Stark? This scene, also from Iron Man #105 provides an answer. As you can see, Tony is not impressed with the trappings of wealth, nor does he particularly enjoy the "playboy" lifestyle. His heart and soul is in the factory, where the science happens -- and in Iron Man. If he felt he had the choice, he would abandon everything else just to geek out with transistors -- and, of course, save the world.