We cannot ignore man's needs. Mahavira also did not reject them completely.
The reason is that man possesses desires. If there is desire, material means are essential to satisfy it. Desire and means cannot be separated. If there was no desire in the nature of man, means could be dispensed with. The fact is, wherever there is desire, means are an imperative.
Mahavira also accepted this reality that means are required; but he said that where means become excessive, man becomes secondary and money takes the primary position.