'Lấy" is an old word, an old meaning. Nowaday, it is not very common. it is used in a very formal situation. for example, when your friends tell you their very sad news or tell you one member of their family has died, you can say: tôi rất lấy làm tiếc khi nghe tin đó". it means " i'm so sorry to hear that". "Lấy" in your example was not very suitable. Another example, there is an accident in a factory. one person has died. the Director wants to apologize his family and he can say" chúng tôi rất lấy làm tiếc vì điều đó". it means " we are so sorry about that".