His months spent researching prison life gave him greater 'empathy' towards/for convicts.
He felt great 'empathy' with/for/toward the poor.
(..) That's exactly what I want. No pity. He often hands me the phone, you know why? He just forgets. So you're right. He doesn't really feel any empathy for me. But he's tall, strong, healthy, and not as dumb as you think. So for now, given my "condition" like you say... I don't give a damn about where (..)2011 The Intouchables