Maybe the term was contractual / legal.
Or maybe it`s suppose to be simpler then all that, since drop can also just be
: to let fall : cause to fall ( to let slip)
a : give up 2, abandon <drop an idea> <drop the charges>
b : discontinue <dropped what she was doing>
c : to break off an association or connection with : dismiss <drop a failing student>
a : to utter or mention in a casual way <drop a suggestion> <drop names>
b : write <drop us a line soon>
a : to lower or cause to descend from one level or position to another
b : to cause to lessen or decrease :
and dead could just be
(1) : lacking power or effect <a dead law> (2) : no longer having interest, relevance, or significance <a dead issue>
b : no longer in use : obsolete <a dead language>
c : no longer active : extinct <a dead volcano> (inanimate, void of life or spirit)
d : lacking in gaiety or animation <a dead party>
e (1) : lacking in commercial activity : quiet (2) : commercially idle or unproductive <dead capital>
a : not running or circulating : stagnant <dead water>
b : not turning <the dead center of a lathe>
c : not imparting motion or power although otherwise functioning <a dead rear axle>
d : lacking warmth, vigor, or taste
a : absolutely uniform <a dead level>
b (1) : unerring (2) : exact <dead center of the target> (3) : certain to be doomed <he's dead if he's late for curfew> (4) : irrevocable <a dead loss>
c : abrupt <brought to a dead stop>
d (1) : complete, absolute <a dead silence> (2) : all-out <caught it on the dead run>
It would be nice to think that it all applies to the PTB and it is the whole corrupt system that "dropped dead" in April.