Executive vs secretary in case of spilled ketchup

CNN reports that after a secretary named Jenny Amner accidentally spilled ketchup on a Richard Phillips, a senior associate at the law firm Baker & McKenzie, he sent her an email demanding £4 to pay for cleaning his trousers. His email:

"Hi Jenny. I went to a dry cleaners at lunch and they said it would cost £4 to remove the ketchup stains. If you cd let me have the cash today, that wd be much appreciated."

The secretary replied a about week-and-a-half later:

"With reference to the e-mail below, I must apologize for not getting back to you straight away but due to my mother's sudden illness, death and funeral I have had more pressing issues than your £4.

"I apologize again for accidentally getting a few splashes of ketchup on your trousers. Obviously your financial need as a senior associate is greater than mine as a mere secretary."

She then forwarded the exchange to her friends in the firm and the message was soon ripping like wildfire through London's law community.

She wrote that she had told various partners, lawyers and trainees about his e-mail and they had offered to "do a collection" to raise the cash.

"I however declined their kind offer but should you feel the urgent need for the £4, it will be on my desk this afternoon."

Subsequently the e-mail exchange was forwarded across the legal world, with comments added questioning Phillips' generosity.

Link (via Gadgetopia)