How Great is Your Love?

I am reading a book for an Ethics class in which the author makes much of the differences between the Greek words for Love. A strong case is made for thinking of ἀγαπάω as superior to φιλέω.

But I have often wondered at John's use of the word in John 12:43. Here we have the description of a negative kind of love, but notice the use of ἀγαπάω.

ἠγάπησαν γὰρ τὴν δόξαν τῶν ἀνθρώπων μᾶλλον ἤπερ τὴν δόξαν τοῦ θεοῦ.

"For they loved the glory of men more than the glory of God."

Can we overpress the differences in word choice for love?
Any other thoughts?