Too Big To Fail?

Since the beginning of the current economic crisis, we have been told repeatedly that there are certain companies that are "too big to fail." What exactly this means is a bit elusive.As far as I can tell, the companies that have fallen under this category have proven to be those who have deliberately exposed themselves to the world of "toxic assets" and outrageous risks. They have grown over the last decade through risky business gambles and unorthodox banking and investing practices. These companies include the infamous AIG, who's instability has risked the money of many investors and the global economy in general. Just how these companies became so big and, until recently, so powerful is a deceivingly simple answer. Deregulation,promoted by the past two administrations (yes Clinton does get some of the blame), has allowed the greedy executives of these top companies to expand their businesses through unscrupulous deals that have left customers in the dark as to what is actually going on in the financial sector. These executives, particularly those in the banking industry, knowingly passed on so-called "toxic assets" to other companies which now have to deal with the consequences of these throughly unbelievable actions. So to summarize, the companies that are now getting taxpayer relief because they are "too big to fail" are at least partially responsible for the current status of the American and global economy. Why is any business too big to face the consequences of their actions is absolutely inconceivable to me. Though I understand that if all were to fall at once the world might face an irreversible tailspin, I sincerely hope that these companies including their top executives will face some kind of accountablity for their actions.