As for executive compensation, the carried interest exemption is the huge one Congress won't touch, Dem or Rep, because few understand it.
I bet a lot here have never heard of it, or don't know what it means.
As for CEOs getting stock options and RSUs, obviously if the stock price goes DOWN, they end up with nothing.
And when they get exercised, the proceeds are taxed as earned income, this I know personally. I nearly had to pay for not withholding enough last year.