This does not really make sense at Portland. The only escalators I know of are from the Gate level to the baggage claim area/ground transportation. Portland is a relatively small airport. There is only one terminal divided into two sides; gate areas, A, B, C and D,E. All on one level. If she was supposed to be changing gates, there are no escalators involved, only moving walkways. So she would have had to go through the Security exit to get to the escalators.
That said, I agree, the family paid someone to watch this woman. Not sure if the fault is with Alaskan or the contractor. My opinion is the contractor, but I am not a lawyer. Sad for the family.
Oh, Alaskan uses one gate area, can’t remember which one, but she should have only need to move down the terminal a few gates. Unless it was to a different airline.