Crossword Genius

Contrary way in which poet expects to be paid? (8)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

perverse

'contrary' is the definition.
(thesaurus)

I don't understand the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for perverse that I've seen before include "'Unreasonable, awkward (8)'" , "Deliberately contrary" , "Wrongly determined" , "Disposed to oppose and contradict" , "'Contrary to what's considered right, proper or good (8)'" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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