> No evidence was offered that he read the contracts This excuse only works for people who do not get paid for doing exactly this: the power to sign contracts,

> No evidence was offered that he read the contracts This excuse only works for people who do not get paid for doing exactly this: the power to sign contracts, exit papers, stuff like that on behalf of the company, and, therefore, be aware of their contents. "I didn't go through the contract before agreeing to its content by signing it" is a damning verdict for someone in this position. You don't have to prove he read it: he signed, therefore he's responsible.