Or another example of the irrationality of the GOP candidates and how wisely they will waste the money they steal from the people.
Wheels within wheels instead of ethics and integrity.

Is this a variant of keeping friends close, and enemies closer?

'Evil and ruthless'?

Yes, I think that sums it up rather nicely.

I know nothing about politics at this level. I wonder if several candidates or their staffers had conference calls to discuss this.
"Supporting us will take votes from Trump way more than from you."
"It's hard for us to give you money even if it costs us a single vote."
"It may be a net gain in votes for you if it undermines Trump, but either way, we'll be in your debt."
"Are you saying you'll make Cruz your VP candidate if you get the nomination?"
"It's early yet to talk about that. Maybe that will happen. This would be just an informal alliance that we'll maintain as long as it keeps making sense to both of us."
"Okay. We'll do $500k for now and re-evaluate in a month. "

I have no idea if works that way or if the "back-room" deals are more sinister.

I see your point. Evil and ruthless, as expected.

Make no mistake...I completely agree with respect to the result. I suggest that's it's a good move from the perspective of Cruz's campaign.

Not if it results in the same old shit in the white house, and it will.
The GOP is an evil conspiracy to enslave the free sovereign people, in collusion with the Democratic Party.
Not a good move at all.

They're trying to do two things:
1) Keep a business woman in the race to steal Trump's thunder
2) Keep Carly far enough away so as not to be a threat, but close enough to be named as VP for the women's vote.

Good move...especially if it works.