You obviously have no experience with public companies and the grant of options. The board of directors almost always grants options to directors at the current price when the grant takes place. This is the largest compensation for the directors receiving these grants. How else could the company attract qualified directors to sit on their board? The objective of each director is to guide and help the company grow so the stock performs well. If it does perform well and the stock is in the money, then the director may exercize that option and either hold the stock or sell it. (They usually sell it). The proceeds of the exercize go to the Company. It is a win/win situation that should not cause jealosy from the other shareholders. It is not a gift.