Yes he was.
Which is why the phrase "evil empire" was stupid as shit.
First of all, Gorby was not part of the "evil empire". He was a reformer of the soviet totalitarian system, and even the dim witted Reagan knew this. So I do not accept your premise.
That said, one always looks weak when they only have the bravado to say inflammatory shit in front of the safe harbor of a friendly audience, but won't use that word outside that comfort zone.
And if there is one things Russians can easily recognize, it is weakness.