It might be a similar line of though as the Goa'uld weaponry from SG-1. They aren't meant for accuracy or range. They use weapons of terror that create an absolute massacre when they do by chance hit.

The Ferengi, and especially of that particular group were Ferengi pirates of some sort, probably wouldn't be above such tactics.

But also it was very clearly not a well thought out episode, so I'm absolutely applying meaning where there is none.

If one Ferengi whip is a bad idea Ivan Vanko doubles it.

He also looks a bit like a grumpy Ferengi on bad hair day.