...with all his riches, was probably persued by quite a few gold-diggers and has grown understandably jaded in his view of women. Nevertheless, he is still occasionally drawn to them (ie: Lizzy, of course). I think he makes such negative statements not only to express his views to his listener but to remind himself of female shortcomings. For the most part, I haven't gotten the feeling that Darcy is exhibiting dry wit with such comments.