I think you are forgetting a significant part of that story, which is that Gawker published it around the time of Thiel's business trip to Saudi Arabia. Given

I think you are forgetting a significant part of that story, which is that Gawker published it around the time of Thiel's business trip to Saudi Arabia. Given the general attitude in that country towards homosexuality and that it is straight up a crime in SA, not only Gawker was essentially sabotaging his business deal, they were opening him up to physical danger and criminal prosecution.