Contador has shown over and over through the years what type of person he is, don't know why Sean would expect him to "gentleman" up now.
Just to continue my thought above: That is said in regards to tour and cycling 'tradition' -- which I will be the first to admit I am completely oblivious about. I ride a stationary bike and that is about it for this old fart.
it took me a long time to understand the whole team, domestique, etc etc concepts. I also now understand the 'gentleman's agreement' part like when Ullrich and company stopped to allow Lance to catch up in the past... but I also have to say my personal feeling, from someone extremely competitive is : Fall, broken chain, puncture -- that's blood in the water baby!!! Time to attack and put the threat away!
So, I understand where Sean and others are coming from, and I understand the Tour/Cycling thing is to allow your competitor to catch back up; but my gut instinct would be "he's down? Good! Let's put some major hurt into him now!"
Bl-st, d-mned and h-ll. Contador’s move payed off. I hope no one waits for Alberto if he has an accident during the next stages.