Well, this is getting to be farcical. Oracle just released a new build, JRE 1.8.0_40-b26 (vs the previously released 1.8.0_40-b25). While the standalone installer downloaded from Oracle's web site no longer attempts to install the Ask.com adware, the preference pane updater now does.
I really don't get the mentality behind a successful company like Oracle trying to sneak adware onto the user's system. Yes, you can opt out, if you're paying close attention, in which case Oracle has at best mildly annoyed you and gained nothing in return.
But if (not being used to such tricks in the Mac world) your eyes glazed over and you clicked "Next" without unticking the tiny checkbox that's buried in visual clutter, you'd find yourself with your homepage hijacked and a new ad-laden browser toolbar you didn't want, in which case you'd be furious at Oracle.
Either way, whether Oracle wins or loses in their attempt to sneak adware onto your system, from henceforward you're probably going to be inclined to regard the company as sleazy.