The save method prototype is : model.save([attributes], [options])
The first parameter is attributes. Second one is options, such as url, success, error methods can be specified.
If you already have set all attributes of a model, then pass '[]' as first parameter to save i.e.
self.model.save([],{
urlRoot: +self.model.get("personId")+"/deactivate, //ensure protocol + domain name are added
success: function (model){
self.showMessage('Person deactivated', true, true);
self.model.fetch();
},
error : function(){
$("#save", self.el).button("reset");
}
});