I think that you said “any wealthy person” is telling. That you expect that the law is a tool available to the wealthy. Why would it be like that?
As for the defamation itself, it’s no more “anything” that can be defamatory even though there is no requirement of falsehood. The intent to defame is still required. Most publications will fail that test (any journalism/public interest etc).
There's a difference between affording a lawyer and affording a lawsuit. Suing someone risks having to pay the defendant's legal fees. And to win a complicated case probably involves hiring a law firm that has the manpower to do tons of research and so on, which costs a lot more than having your will done or looking over a contract, say.
