While not pure evidence I think this article speaks the truth.
https://boston.cbslocal.com/2012/06/15/roche-red-sox-jumped-the-shark-with-lackey-crawford-signings/
Here's a quote from a link provided in the article.
While he wouldn’t comment too specifically on Lackey, he did admit that he regretted feeling pressured to make a move when the move he hoped for didn’t work out.
“Some of the offseasons that we had were more offseasons of convenience — giving in to the need to be good next year,” Epstein explained, while bringing up the infamous “bridge year” talk from a few years back.
Theo seemed like he was fine with having "bridge years," (or maybe "mini-cliffs"- my words), but Lucchino didn't want lost marketing opportunities, and so seemingly pushed for big splash signings. Lackey, Crawford, Pablo...
I recall he was also given much of the credit for the Schilling trade, too.