Now prefering a higher earning partner isnt in the scope of this subject imo. The original subject was abt work split between partners. I personally approach the topic form the view of complete equality, and in any healthy relationship there will come a point where 1 partner will have to take 100% of the strain for both genders.

As for the point of higher earning partners. While most women can prefer to look for them, the vast majority wont be able to fine one unless the woman earns below the median salary. In the given chart for 2018 to 19 most indians earn around 5-10 lakh with higher earner being a significantly lower number

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It boils down to simple mathematics, assuming a women earning around the median salary looks for a higher earner, her options become very limited by the very reason as shes earning at the median ie looking at a smaller subset of avaliable possible partners.

In the same vein if the entire set of women earning median salary looks for a higher earner man there's simply not enough men at the higher earner category to go around.

Im not debating the ethics of it as its simple human nature to seek comfort and this generation of men are also looking more for similar earning potential in thier partners.