From the article, the reason we know that Thiel was funding this in the first place: "[...] an unusual decision Mr. Bollea’s legal team made: It purposely excl

From the article, the reason we know that Thiel was funding this in the first place: "[...] an unusual decision Mr. Bollea’s legal team made: It purposely excluded a claim that would have allowed Gawker’s insurance company to help pay for its defense as well as damages." That speaks quite loudly to the intent of the deterrent, otherwise they wouldn't be concerned who was paying, since insurance company money is just as green as Gawker's.