From early in the article: "Many prominent members of the GOP establishment intensely dislike Cruz. But they now acknowledge that he is the best option — perhaps the only option — to deny Donald Trump their party’s nomination."
They hate Cruz but see him as their only hope, but not as the nominee - they will make deals with him to play spoiler and then renege and nominate someone else during the convention. He's a cat's paw and seems to be blissfully unaware or even worse, glad to play the role if it assuages his own ego.
"...even worse, glad to play the role if it assuages his own ego."
Sounds like Trump and the Clintons