There is a fundamental difference between a bank run and a stock market sell off.
As others have said (sfsob a few posts up), the price of a stock represents it's value (well, its perceived value, but that's all we have). A market simply cannot work, if people try to 'wish' something to $15, if everyone really thinks it is worth $10. The money really needs to flow towards things that are perceived to be worth the $15.
Now, a bank run - that seems to fall into the "tragedy of the commons" area. Just like the movie, everyone wants out because they are afraid the other guy is going to get out and leave them high and dry. But it is in everyone's best interests to only take as much as they need, so that the bank can continue to function for everyone. But that cannot happen w/o some controls in place, to make sure that everyone takes only what they need.
Jimmy Stewart for President! 
_It's a Wonderful Life_ in 30 seconds with bunnies.
-ERD50
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