It is because for liberals the act of ‘feeling’ trumps all others. Outcome does not matter; only that you ‘feel’ appropriately.
Watch the TedTalks video.
I don't think it is "feeling for others" that is so important to them. That is just a cover for "feeling" that they are superior to the rest of humanity and can therefore make the rules for them and tell them how to live. It's the arrogance of considering themselves better and more important than the masses. Being, in Thomas Sowell's word, "anointed" to decide what's best for all of us.
This is seen by them as a path to power and wealth, but that is something they can't openly admit, of course. So the "feeling for others" is a cover for the greed underlying their actions. The liberal media reports on the feeling and not on the real motivation.