For me it implies the sort of unthinking, unthought gesture like brushing crumbs onto the floor with one's sleeve as one sits down at a table, say. A meaningless act for the person doing it, but with consequences for someone else (like the cleaner!).

I know the text goes on to explain the supposèd reasons why the bank was not sold, but to me the expression alludes to lack of reasoning and to instinctive reaction.

Similar also to the swirling/backward waving action made with the hand/wrist when dismissing something as insignificant, usually accompanied by a "Pfff" or a "Bof".

--------------------------------------------------
Note added at 11 hrs (2007-07-26 08:29:22 GMT) Post-grading
--------------------------------------------------

Don't know what July has been like where you are, but here it has been igloo weather! Point taken though; it's time we had a change.