I think, ExtJS and jQuery is completely different. Ext gives yor power of UI Components. Core jQuery -not with plugins- gives you speed and very very useful for DOM Manipulating and quick animations.
If my application needs a Grid, Window, TabPanel or TreePanel, the framework should be ExtJS. In this case, I do not deal with jQuery UI or jQuery UI Plugins.
If my application does not need a Grid, Window, TabPanel or TreePanel, the framework should be jQuery because script size really important and jQuery is easy to use for such an application.
If my application needs a datepicker, colorpicker, basic tabs or basic accordion panel, the framework should be jQuery + jQuery UI. Because script size and usage.
ExtJS would be a great approach for admin panels that uses widgets highly. Have a look at what ExtJS can do ExtJS Demo Page