Here is a thought - The Clintons have collected a ton of money on the expectation that she’d be the next POTUS - and some of these people might well be furious if she just said “oh I changed my mind”. But Hillary has health problems and is no spring chicken. So Hillary trashes herself - to the NYT - and knows that eventually the dust will settle and it will go away after she is no longer the candidate. Then she can live her life of great luxury - having pulled off her biggest con.
I think you've nailed it.
I predicted months ago that Hillary would start by fundraising, then bag out of the race citing health or family issues, but remain a behind-the-scenes dem powerbroker.