For one reason or another the Caste-Game gives everyone an excuse to act as selfish as they originally feel - be it that they ignore everything around them since it's linked to their "role" or be it that they can release their inner demons - if this game is thought to release stress building up in an enclosed society, then it's frighteningly accurate, isn't it? Since this is a miniature garden..
So I agree with your statement, just adding my own 2pence
（￣へ￣）
For some reason, I believe Karino did love Azuma ( his love form is abnormal though, expected from sensei's unique love concept ) He went as far as doing many things to protect him ( in his twisted ways , again expected from sensei )
Maybe it doesn't look like love to you, I can really much understand.
even Kazu said he ( Karino ) can't hide it anymore ( his love for Azuma ). Kazu is sharp, you know, he wouldn't say that for nothing. Karino is an one man team who believe that in order to live you have to crush others, and love is nothing but a unnecessary feeling for him, a weak point can cause death. I believe he couldn't accept himself for loving someone, yet still his yearning desire for Azuma is undeniable
I see everywhere people talking about love on here, especially concerning the pairing Karino/Azusa. I do really think this story clearly ain't about love, at all. More than love, here, Ogawa Chise shows us dependance, taken to amazing levels. Every damn "couple" ("pairing" here, is really the most appropriated term for me, concerning the story) paint a desire to keep another person for himself or the despair of not being able to get away from someone. Karino wants to monopolize Azusa because he makes his preconceived life more "fun" (and therefore is dependant of Azusa for that), Asuza, in his role of Target is dependant of Karino, otherwise I don't even know how he would end up (as his situation now is not really something to look up anyway) ; Atsumu can't leave Kuze's side and is somewhat totally attracted to him, Kuze wants Atsumu for himself and is ready to do anything he can for that too ; Yukari needs Yatori because he's the one making him feel he's good at something, Yatori on the other hand just want Yukari for to only belong to him and to manipulate him as he wants ; Tatsumi wants to escape his peaceful and dicted life as Karino too but not using the same conduct (hopefully in a way) and finds this path through Senzaki ; Senzaki, him, is totally captivated by Tatsumi because he "meets his expectations". This manga is all about dependance, lust, desire, monopolisation and manipulation, pushed to their extreme extents.
(Sorry is there is any istakes, I have the worst excuse ever but : I'm french)