"On Wall Street he and a few others - how many? three hundred, four hundred, five hundred? had become precisely that... Masters of the Universe"

In Tom Wolfe's "The Bonfire of the Vanities," the phrase "Masters of the Universe" is used to encapsulate the inflated egos and massive power wielded by a choose group of financial experts on Wall Street during the 1980s. The quote reflects both adoration and irony, highlighting the financial elites' self-perceived omnipotence within the worldwide financial system.

Wolfe's description suggests a sense of elitism and exclusivity. The uncertainty in numbers--"the number of? three hundred, 4 hundred, five hundred?"-- suggests that while this group isn't huge, its impact is tremendous. These individuals control the monetary markets, managing huge transactions that can move economies and affect lives worldwide. The precise count is ambiguous, highlighting that while the group is limited in size, its power is disproportionately large compared to the more comprehensive population.

"Masters of deep space" evokes a god-like images, showing the immense hubris and self-importance of Wall Street lenders at the time. This name unearths the dichotomy in between understanding and reality. On one hand, they are seen as influential, practically omnipotent figures driving financial development. On the other hand, the expression brings a tone of critique, meaning the misconception and possible moral vacuity within this monetary tiers' worldview. They operate in a world insulated from the typical individual's truths, breeding a culture of arrogance and excess.

Additionally, Wolfe's term recommends a review of the more comprehensive socio-economic structures that allow such concentrated power. The metaphor underscores the disenchantment with unattended capitalism, where wealth and influence are siloed amongst a tiny fraction, typically leading to ethical obscurities and societal discontent.

In essence, Wolfe utilizes "Masters of deep space" to both describe and review the phenomenon of power concentration on Wall Street, painting a brilliant image of the era's monetary magnates who straddle the line between human and hyper-powerful entities. This expression elaborately records the intersection of financing, power, and identity in a time when Wall Street seemed to define economic destiny.