I would say that these pictures do more than sell newspapers. Photojournalists sell photos to papers all the time. Many times very disturbing (like these) photos.
I wonder if these photos were published by a different paper, with a different headline, if people would have the same reaction. I know we, or most would still find the photos disturbing, but could it be the wording of the Post's headline that makes it more disgusting for some people?
The link is for the NY Times, and since they are showing the photo of the front page, they are also publishing it. Apparently though that isn't disturbing
This is their headline
Should This Subway Photo Have Been Published?