I never pay a retainer

I have heard this once too many. Today it was from a smug young CEO of yet another pharmaceutical start-up. In his minds eye he is financially savvy, why should he pay for service he may not need or use?
Well, of course he pays retainers (one gets deposited into his bank account at the beginning of each month).
Interestingly enough, I don't get this argument from more seasoned clients, the ones who make multi-year budget plans.

Even more interesting, I make more money this way, so I am not sure why this bothers me?