Ward led with his shoulder but there was helmet to helmet contact after the initial hit. Didn't look intentional... guy should not have been fined like that. Even during the replay I had a hard time pinpointing the ball until after the hit had already taken place. I can't imagine throwing the book at this guy, I'm biased ofcourse, but what the hell, might as well have fined Ward for having a head too big for his shoulders. 
On another note considering Palmer put the freaking ball over the middle he should be the last guy getting in Ward's face.
Check the link. Scroll down the page and watch the clip at about 9 or 10 seconds. Replay a few times.