Directions : Choose the correct alternative to fill in the blank in the following sentence.

Laws grind the …… and rich man rule the law.

This is a proverb/social commentary meaning that the legal system often oppresses poor people while the rich can manipulate laws to their advantage. The contrast is between 'grind the poor' (oppress/burden) and 'rich man rule the law' (control/manipulate). 'Criminals' doesn't fit the contrast, 'innocents' is grammatically incorrect (should be 'innocent'), and 'destitute' is redundant if 'poor' is used.