One thing I'm noticing on my watch through of Rick and Morty, is that Rick will say all these things about how he doesn't care about anyone or anything and how family is easily replaceable and whatnot. And yet despite his words and beliefs his actions tell a whole different story.
The man who calls his grandson a dumb ass is also the same man who makes stamps with said grandson's face on them. Is the same man who tells him goodbye before making a tough decision, the same man who, even when grumbling and cursing, still follows behind Morty and his other family members. Rick's entire truths on how he actually views his family is all told through his actions. In the little miniscule details that are easily overlooked in the heat of the moment. Rick thinks about his family in the little ways, from doing things for them to watching out for them to protecting them. Even when everything he's experienced has told him to do the exact opposite.
These are especially shown when he's interacting with Morty.
Season one being a good example when the world went to hell. Rick has stated basically that people are replaceable because of the vastness of multiple realities and universes, yet he doesn't hesitate to grab Morty and take him with him to another reality. It's like there's no other option for Rick, because it doesn't even occur to him to leave Morty to his original world to die. Or in the episode with Mr. Jellybean, Rick was gentle with his grandson for the rest of the episode and even killed the guy who tried to hurt him. Or in the episode where Morty goes to try and save the cloud being, despite Rick's protests and him wanting to bail, he still comes back to help Morty. Even if begrudgingly. Or in the recent episode in season three when one of the Vindicators said something nasty to Morty and Rick immediately sent daggers at the guy. Or in the episodes where Rick puts his trust in Morty to come through for him and believing in him enough to know that Morty will get the job done, such as the Citadel where he gave Morty the gun to shoot him so he could save Summer. (Even though said boy was furious and didn't read the note but you get the picture-)
It's all these little moments, these little actions that give Rick Sanchez away on how he actually feels about the people around him. It's honestly fascinating and interesting to watch.
