diff --git a/lib/galaxy/tools/parameters/basic.py b/lib/galaxy/tools/parameters/basic.py
index e24904731ae..62b29613d1f 100644
--- a/lib/galaxy/tools/parameters/basic.py
+++ b/lib/galaxy/tools/parameters/basic.py
@@ -2646,8 +2646,7 @@ class RulesListToolParameter(BaseJsonToolParameter):
     def to_dict(self, trans, other_values=None):
         other_values = other_values or {}
         d = ToolParameter.to_dict(self, trans)
-        if (target_name := self.data_ref) in other_values:
-            target = other_values[target_name]
+        if target := other_values.get(self.data_ref):
             if not is_runtime_value(target):
                 d["target"] = {
                     "src": "hdca" if hasattr(target, "collection") else "hda",