avaricious / greedy / be bursting with avarice

cordon / pitch [a tent] / stretch / cover / spread / string / spread out

fill up / fill

be deep-rooted / sink its root deeply in the ground / have outstretching roots

throw *something out of / stick *something out of

make a display / show off / make oneself look big / put on airs

remain obstinate / be obstinate / insist / be stubborn / persist

extend (*one's influence) / widen (*one's influence)

enter into competition with / set *oneself up against / compete with / vie

hold [an event] / sponsor [an event] / have [an event] / give [an event]