Bankruptcy nicely protecting a scoffer (5)
I believe the answer is:
cynic
'a scoffer' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
'bankruptcy nicely protecting' is the wordplay.
'protecting' says the answer is hidden in the clue.
'CYNIC' can be found hidden inside 'bankruptcy nicely'.
(Other definitions for cynic that I've seen before include "one with little faith in human nature" , "One who knows the cost of everything and the value of nothing" , "Person who sneers at others, a sceptic" , "One who thinks only self-interest motivates people" , "One who scoffs" .)