Yes, in the terms you're presenting them.In context, it is the difference between capitalism and, say, socialism, (not that is what we're discussing, more a diversion on your part), but between how each is doing it. Any brutal dictator is likely make things worse. However, that says nothing about any economic theory.
And yes, government spending could put money in the hands of people who would spend it, helping to create need, which would inspire some to meet that need, and help the economy in the short run. There are others who would support that thinking. And yes, you could provide some who don't. But the complaint by some against what government has done is that it hasn't done enough, put enough money out there. Doing somehting half as is usually ineffective.
But, that isn't something that fundamentally changes the economy. Other factors have to come from other places. Without that, even this would fail. That's why leaders always cross their fingers and pray whenever they do something. They need help.