[colineartheta]

I think “backbone” in this context is a stand-in for “integrity” and/or “honor”. I think the fact that they can “buy, sell, and eliminate people and governments as they see fit” is the obvious proof that they don’t possess any real integrity, dignity, or honor for themselves or other people - so, no, they don’t have “backbone”. Power, wealth, sure. But not backbone.

[OldGuyInTheClub]

I don't know the movie. I took 'backbone' as a synonym for strength, will, and/or an iron fist to accumulate power and wealth vs. the other terms.