Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 17: The Three Kinds of Faith

Bhagavad Gita 17.22

adeśakāle yaddānamapātrebhyaśca dīyate | asatkṛtamavajñātaṃ tattāmasamudāhṛtam ||

A gift that is given at the wrong place and time, to unworthy people, without respect and with contempt, is said to be of inertia.

Modern context

A tamasic gift is given carelessly, at the wrong time and place, to the wrong person, with contempt. Throwing coins at someone, giving with insults, handing over what is useless: such gifts humiliate rather than help. The dignity of the receiver matters. A true gift honours the person who receives it.