Honestly speaking, why do people get intimidated and start being nice when they find out someone is rich?

Most of the people who act like that would like to be rich. Perhaps they expect something, perhaps they will gain by moving in the same circles. They are superficial, valuing material wealth over honesty. There is nothing wrong with being well off, as long as it's value is understood compared to other things in life.

I have found that wealthy people, especially those who are self-made, see straight through the fake friendliness and find it amusing.

because they would like to be associated with them. rich people have lots of money which is something most people want or want to be associated with. and they also have high social status, which is another thing most people want or want to be associated with. they know rich = good in society.

so the typical person will either kiss a rich person's behind as if it's made of gold, or be jealous.

Because they expect that they will benefit from the the rich person by money. Rich people can be good friends to have because they have connections and power. For example: In stock market, by having rich connections, you are guaranteed to make a lot of money on the stock market.

I've seen that with my bosses its just bum sucking i spose it might not be done purposefully but with money comes power and authority and people naturally respond to that maybe cause were all climbin the ladder i spose?

You seem like a very great person. You're intelligent and I bet you have stunning looks.

I'm not sure... I guess because a rich person is more successful than them, and they know it.

Money is associated with power and respect because you usually need it to aqcuire it.

Money = Power.

They think they will benefit.

Not me!