Fine points about the intent and recklessness of malice. Suffice to say, in a defamation suit, the malice of recklessness or intent is enough. The acts is one of ill will which is sufficient, even if the thought isn’t.
Another way to view my point is that defamation doesn't include an intent element. Read the case, NYT v. Sullivan. In defamation, the definition of "actual malice" is knowing the statement is false, or repeating it with reckless disregard for the truthfulness. The act does not need to involve ill will.