Why is it not easy for carbon to take part in the formation of ionic compounds?

Carbon has 4 electrons in its valence shell. In order to form ionic compounds, Carbon should either lose or gain 4 electrons. It will not be easy for Carbon to lose 4 e  to become carbon cation C⁴⁺ or gain 4 electrons to become carbon anion C^4-.

The loss or gain of electrons requires a very high amount of heat energy which may destabilize carbon atom. Therefore, it not easy for carbon to take part in the formation of ionic compounds