Understanding how to be avaricious? (8)
I believe the answer is:
grasping
This clue is a double definition.
'understanding' is the first definition.
(to grasp something is to understand it)
'to be avaricious?' is the second definition.
(synonyms)
'how' is the link.
(Other definitions for grasping that I've seen before include "avaricious attitude" , "Holding" , "Acquisitive - understanding" , "Gangs rip, being greedy" , "Miserly; seizing" .)