No, money is not the root of all evil. Money is just a tool, no more, no less. The same way as a knife, or a hammer is a tool.
The thing is, that money is a very powerful tool, which can accumulate more wealth, and with that, more influence and power. Money is not about money, money is about power.
So no, not money is the root of all evil, but people's hunger for more power is.
And, since we're on the topic anyway, why do we need power? Well, for that, just take a look at our closest relatives, chimps. Or in fact, nearly all animals. Being the strongest, most powerful animal of the group, gives you the opportunity to mate with the best and the most partners.