not cynicism and ambivalence. the message was about fear, which should never be Superman.
The scene in question, I keep trying to think of any of the Marvel characters who wouldn't do everything they could to save Jonathon's life, damn the consequences to their secret identity. and if someone says Clark was still a kid, Peter Parker would have done so anyway. Of course, his upbringing was about the message you said, great power-great responsiblity.
Superman's should have been "look out for the little guy, and all the guys are little when compared to you" mixed in with a ridiculous amount of humility.
I can watch Man of Steel, I like most the movie, but I HATED that scene. Part of the death of Jonathon Kent should have been "sometimes there are things you can't fix, so fix everything you can" like a heart attack or cancer or something. NOT A PERSON 20 FEET AWAY IN A TORNADO.