Is this acceptable exception for no splice ground for pool light switch?

Does using a wire nut to splice grounds in a pvc jbox with a run of the mill single pole switch an acceptable exception to the no splice code for pool light ground connections in 680.23(F)(2)(b)? See image below for an example of what I am describing where the top image shows doing so with wire nut in switch jbox and the lower image shows a configuration that home run the ground to the panel then back to the switch. So is the easiest way a home run to the panel then wire a separate ground to the switch jbox? If the answer is no the wire nut and splice, why would a timer or "snap switch" be different than a wire nut inside the single pole switch jbox? The lines are 12AWG THHN/THWN in 1" gray pvc conduit. I can provide more detail about the rest of the configuration but usually when I type too much no one looks at them ;-) Location: Western PA