Satoshi was describing a fundamental principle of economics: the law of supply and demand. When someone attempts to buy up all of a scarce asset, their demand drives up the price. As they continue buying, the price increases, making it more expensive for them to purchase more.

Satoshi was pointing out that this situation is beneficial for the initial owners of the asset. They can sell their holdings at the inflated prices, reaping a profit. However, as the price continues to rise, some sellers may choose to hold out, expecting even higher prices in the future. This creates a self-reinforcing cycle where the price keeps increasing, fueled by speculation and the expectation of further gains.

In essence, Satoshi was highlighting the concept of a "corner" – a situation where a single entity attempts to dominate the market by buying up all available supply. However, the more they buy, the more they drive up the price, ultimately making it impossible for them to achieve their goal. This phenomenon is often seen in markets with limited supply and high demand, where prices can skyrocket due to speculation and the actions of a few large players.

Satoshi's quote may also be interpreted as a commentary on the potential for price manipulation and the dynamics of speculative markets. By acknowledging the potential for prices to be driven up by speculation, Satoshi may have been cautioning against the dangers of market manipulation and the importance of understanding the underlying economics of a scarce asset.