You failed to include the first word in that definition: DEROGATORY. it is absolutely a scare phrase. Universal's job, first, middle and last, is to generate profit. It's a scare phrase because you're using it to denigrate what they are doing because of your position on it. It's meaningless because, anyone's position on what they are doing in this case aside, they're doing it for rhe reason they do ANYTHING they do, which is to get money - grab cash, if you will. Its meaningless in the way "special" becomes meaningless when everyone is special.
ETA: This rumor isn't the only time when people in this fandom use this phrase in this way. Every time Disney does a live action remake, or puts out a popcorn bucket, or sells a party ticket, it's a "cash grab." Well, duh. That's what they're in business to do.