I wouldn't describe myself as a person with a big ego or too much pride. I am, however, very open to shooting someone else's ego down if they intend to use me as a means to stroke it.
If a person offers to pay for my meal out of kindness, of course I will take and appreciate it. That said, if somebody tries pulling out their credit card to display top-dog status at the table-- they got another thang comin'. If that person demands that I allow them to pay; then fine, I won't make a scene. But, I will leave an extra tip equivalent to the bill plus 25%.