If you have the power to corrupt the justice system or even tip the balance - just because of the money you have - would you? There's your ethics problem.

Did Thiel corrupt the justice system? Did he tip the balance the wrong way? Would it have been "right" for Hulk Hogan to have to take on the significantly more wealthy Gawker all by himself?

In the end though, I feel that this really has very little to do with the justice system. It was only a vehicle Thiel used, he didn't need the justice system to ruin Gawker.