It's unclear how much OP's company was spending. The article gives a figure of $100k/month per employee.

But even $200/month is worth shaving if it doesn't generate value.

Corporations pay API rates.

Besides that the article states quite high numbers, budget is budget in these companies.

You had budget for your normal salaries, for externals and now suddenly you have a few millions additional.

What do you do? You compensate.

Business people doing business things.