The book's lead character is both an 'object of' desire and an 'object of' pity. [=the lead character is both desired and pitied by other characters in the book]
When they take a vacation, 'money is no object'. [=they don't worry about how much something costs] They always stay at the most expensive places.
If 'cost was/were no object' [=if cost did not matter; if we had enough money] we'd buy a new car instead of fixing the old one.
(..) `but I was never able to touch it. Does tactile contact alter your perception of the Phoenix? For humans, touch can connect you to an object in a very personal way. It makes it seem more real. I'm detecting imperfections in the titanium casing. Temperature variations in the fuel manifold. (..)1996 Star Trek: First Contact
(..) dead and wounded on the Lexington. Lt Hawk, set a course for Earth. Maximum warp. I am about to disobey our orders. Any of you who wish to object should do so now. I believe I speak for everyone here when I say... to hell with our orders. Red alert. All hands to battle stations. Engage. (..)1996 Star Trek: First Contact