Good lord Sam. The "soy boy" label couldn't fit you any better. You're text book.
Obviously this Webb character doesn't deserve any credit---now or later(even if he pays).
He was a treasurer for 10k worth of contest funds.(this isn't a guy that took a bet got in over his head and had to slow pay but was keeping one updated and was making payments) These funds should have always been there, even if the guy had 1 cent to his name otherwise. He ran with these funds and went dark.
Let's be completely honest, the wife part is complete bullshit. He gambled these funds.(one way or another short term investments, ect) For what could be numerous reasons he didn't receive these funds back in time(or never got them back) to pay contest winners. He didn't have the funds because he misappropriated them. Anyone that would ever ship this guy another cent(that's aware of what has occurred here) is a fool when it comes to life.
With this also said. Obviously one has to hail him as "hero coming home." Flatter his ego as much as possible. Whatever it takes to get the money from his hands into yours. It's such an easier route. Having to use the nuclear option is expensive, time consuming, aggravating. It's simply a whole lot of work!