Why did some European rulers during the 15th century want to claim more and more land?

During the 15th century, European rulers sought to claim more land primarily for economic gain, as new territories could provide access to valuable resources, trade routes, and agricultural production. Additionally, the rise of nation-states fueled competition for power and prestige, leading rulers to expand their territories to assert dominance over rivals. The Age of Exploration further motivated expansion, as European powers aimed to spread Christianity and establish colonies in newly discovered lands. This quest for land was also driven by the desire to secure strategic military advantages.