Wayne Brown hired someone to kill his wife but it didn't work.
His wife actually tried to shoot someone dead (the ranch hand Kurt)
(She also shot Lyle dead)
Which is worse, murder for hire or attempted murder? Are they equal?
Lyle is dead so you can't necessarily prove that Wayne hired him.
The only innocent character is nice cage. A lot of variables in the question. But I guess hiring someone is worse than attempted murder. I've heard of real life situations of hitman getting extremely reduced sentences for giving up the person who commissioned the job.
I don't know if that at all was the answer you were looking for. But hey there you go.
It's not that important to have any particular answer... I was just trying to say something about this awesome movie which I liked.
And I was trying to briefly map out the actual plot happenings.
I find it weird that they would "let a hitman off lightly".