"Because I love you"

I'm not real sure how kids learn to be so sly, but man do they perfect it at a young age. Lately when Addison does something she should not have and we ask her why she did it, she comes up with a very clever response. Apparently she does bad things because she loves me. I suppose I should feel honored that she would risk getting into trouble on a regular basis to prove her love for me but instead I am a bit suspicious of her TRUE motives!
Here are a few examples:

Me: "Addison, why did you hit your brother?"
Addison: (with tears in her eye) "Because I love you."

Me: "Addison Rose, why would you take that toy away from your brother? He just wants to play with you!"
Addison: (chin quivering) "Because I love you."

There are many more scenarios, but you get the picture. So after trying to get her to understand that her defense doesn't make much sense, she really gets the water works going (she is good at fake crying) and looks up at me so pathetically and says "but mom, I really just love you so much." Where does she get this stuff from? My response usually depends on the severity of what she did and/or the mood I'm in. If It's not too bad I'm usually just trying not to laugh at her miserable attempt at self pity and give her a hug and tell her I just love her so much too (even though I know her declaration of love was somewhat insincere at that point). Otherwise I try to explain to her that I know she loves me, but the best way to show it is by being obedient and treating her brother nicely.

Oh that girl, what am I going to do with her? She drives me crazy sometimes, but I JUST LOVE HER SO MUCH! =)