I don't think feeding has much to do with it. My cat is obsessed with me and looks at me like this all the time, even though my wife feeds him. I don't think he even puts it together that he wouldn't be able to eat without someone feeding him.
My cat doesn't care about food that much, probably because she never new hunger. My other cat loves food, but in the morning she often comes to me to greet me and cuddle first (even though I'm not the one giving her food). Cats are full of love :)
Same for mine! Have two and they are in my grill 100% of the time when I get home. Moving from room to room whenever my wife and I go. Cats can clearly have emotions and do care :)