Caring is the foundation of love, but it is not the emotion itself.
Caring about anything may develop in directions other than love.
It may turn into respect or admiration, as happens sometimes when one deals with important people or significant subjects.
Thus, one may respect the science of biophysics, or admire a great philosopher.
This results in a certain emotional response, but that response will not be love.
On the other hand, one may care about something that is dangerous or harmful: an abyss alongside a road, or a tiger on the way.
There will be an emotional response—fear, and an attempt to avoid the danger—but it will not be hatred.
–Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz
From "Love" in Simple Words by Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz