I’ll argue that calling them unintelligent dismisses their capacity for harm.

CEOs tend to be intelligent, cold and calculated. They will take whatever decision it takes to maximize profit, with complete disregard for human life. Even when they seemingly echo conspiracy theories, they generally do it with the end goal of increasing profits by pushing some narrative, for example.

We need to understand and acknowledge that they know exactly what they are doing, and that they and their companies need to be controlled using legislation. They will not be swayed by pity and emotions, they must be controlled by other means.