Smith signed a long term contract under different circumstances, and would never in a million years get even half of what he is paid if he were to negotiate a new contract today.
When the big old contracts on the pay roll expires, Carrolls wages would have been among the highest in the squad.
It doesn't show ambition relative to the wages paid out in the PL though. That I agree with, but it doesn't matter. As long as the wage structure is there it should be followed. All in or nothing.