There are hints of a potential motive in the shooting of a top US executive in New York. 

UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was shot in the back in a premeditated attack on his way to a conference in Manhattan yesterday. 

Police have been investigating nearby hostels, while it's also reported the bullets had the words "deny" "deflect" and "depose" inscribed on them. 

US correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking they seem to reference ways health insurance companies seek to avoid paying patients' claims. 

He says UnitedHealthcare has come in for fierce criticism at times from both patients and lawmakers for denying claims. 

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