I hadn't considered that interpretation earlier (not until it was pointed out in another comment) and I agree that it's completely possible the author meant it

I hadn't considered that interpretation earlier (not until it was pointed out in another comment) and I agree that it's completely possible the author meant it like that -- so my attitude was not justified. It was because of the way the author put "their irresponsible underwriting practices" in quotes in the just before the conclusion that set the tone for me, but once again, I should not have jumped to conclusions.