lot / drive under

Smith envisioned the universe as being administered by a benevolent

God and ordered to maximize human happiness. It is our nature to

surmise that we will be happier if we are wealthier, and so we strive

to better our lot through exchange with others in the give and take of

a mutually beneficial free market. To do this, a certain structure is

necessary for the invisible hand to work properly. A free market

society requires strong property rights, a code of law and morals,

enforceable contracts, exchange of information and a means to uphold

the rules of law.

Here does lot mean fate or just welfare?



When businesses fail, it is their inability to find the cash to pay debts which actually drives them under.

drive them under = lead them to bankruptcy? Are there any similar expresson?

Thank you.