No, it is an exploit.

First kill you #118 makes numerous hits on I Will Suicide You #49, gaining nothing.

Next #49 uses a bunch of turns to mass explore and pops up in seventh spot

"7 I Will Suicide You (#49) 6304 $864,202 HG"

I take it the idea is to make it pointless to hit #49 because of diminishing return.

(edit) No, not an exploit. #118 went on to kill others - s/he plainly wants to win the "who killed the most (tiny) countries in a set" award.