There's very little to suggest Contador didn't go all out in that Giro.
He tried to win Madonna di Campiglio, then got dropped by Landa. He tried following Landa on Aprica, and got dropped again. He attacked Monte Ologno for no real reason other than a FU to Astana.
Being behind before the Mortirolo with whatever unfavorable group compositions possible on the run to Aprica is a much bigger reason to go full gas.
And good example of kicking Aru again just because he could on the Monte Ologno.