Babylonian Talmud, Kiddushin 59a

Rav Gidel was attempting to purchase a plot of land. Rav Abba pre-empted him and acquired the plot. Rav Gidel complained to Rav Zaira. Rav Zaira brought R. Gidel’s complaint to Rav Yitzchak Nafcha. Rav Yitzchak replied that he will discuss the issue with Rav Abba when the latter visits him on yom tov. When Rav Abba arrived, Rav Yitzchak indeed queried, “If a poor person turns their cake, and another comes and takes it, what is the proper response?” Rav Abba replied, “The one [who took the cake] is called a wicked person.” Rav Yitzhak queried, “In that case, why do you engage in such activity?” Rav Abba replied, “I was unaware that another person wished to purchase the field.” Rav Yitzchak asked, “Perhaps, now you will sell it to Rav Gidel?” Rav Abba replied, “I will not sell the field since it is a bad omen to sell the first field one acquires. However, I am prepared to give it as a present to Rav Gidel.” Rav Gidel said, “I don’t want presents. The verse says one who hates presents will live longer.” (Proverbs 15) Rav Abba was not pleased with this because he was subverted by Rav Gidel. Neither party was satisfied with the outcome, so they called it the Land of the Rabbis. [Translation by Pirchei Shoshanim. Edited for clarity and gender neutrality]