Originally Posted by tdracer
Agreed, it's quite possible the 'bomber' thought he was a courier - 'deliver this laptop to Mr. X, it's very important' and had no idea he was on a one-way trip.
Based on the damage, I'd say that is not very likely. The explosion happened around the level of the cabin floor, implying the laptop (or the bag) was placed under the seat or next to the cabin wall. If the laptop were carried with no intention of using it on the way, it is far more likely to have been placed in the overhead bin, especially on a half-full flight.