I'm actually in the same position: I didn't give any money to the guy's legal defense fund and I think any rational assessment of my budget and the merits of the case would result in the same decision if I had it all to do over. I don't think that is really the point, though.

There's a world of difference between choosing not to help someone or some cause when they need it - a choice we all make, passively or actively, all the time - and mocking them and encouraging others not to help. That's just kicking a guy when he's down. That's the part some of us find really objectionable.