This is like bad TV.

How many times do people take their info to the grave? They're only ever at risk while they're the only one with the info.

Find out something, dump it wide.

As a journo you'd think they'd have a million and one decent contacts in a big list.

If it turns out bollocks, no one cares. Just add a 'work in progress' disclaimer.

Is this a human nature thing?

I see people perpetually portrayed in films/tv as too trusting or unable to comprehend an unravelling of events that end with them exposed to being killed.

Rabbit in headlights type reaction?

Get that data out.