This is a big stretch, but I do wonder with Thiel's Christian background and his interest in Girard's mimetic theory that he sees himself as acting in a Christ-like manner -- strategically sacrificing himself again and again in order to save that which he loves, even if it doesn't love him back.
The problem with that of course is the "strategically". He's made what seem to be deals with the devil on many occasions -- Trump being the obvious example, and having a hand in pardoning Levandowski being the most recent one. I'm not so sure that he's crossed the line into "evil villain" territory as many think, but is he headed that way? Maybe.