I think it says something that he never did anything with the patent until now, I believe that he has good intentions and no desire to be a patent troll. Given his unique situation, and his flair for drama and unorthodoxy, I think it makes perfect sense.
Just because he's "The Little Guy" doesn't make it any better. Holding someone hostage to raise money for a cancer research foundation wouldn't make the act itself morally justified.
This particular situation appeals to my romantic and absurdist philosophies, it's ballsy and interesting if nothing else.
I oppose the use of land-mines in general but I support their placement in the boardrooms of corporations that manufacture them. Because heartless execs are nothing like innocent children. Context matters.