How is that evidence when entities settle suits all the time to avoid the cost and time of litigation?
Companies, large ones, settle all the time even if not at fault to avoid a lengthy trial which damages their reputation. It can have nothing to do with culpability.
3% of civil cases reach a verdict.
https://arizonabusinesslawyeraz.com/when-to-litigate-and-whe...
Settlements are also a known fixed cost controlled by the business instead of a jury. Considering how Republicans are attacking Harvard I would say the desire to get this out the public spotlight as fast as possible is important