The victim was a member of an enemy race who had contempt for Samaritans. The victim was anonymous, a dangerous condition in itself. By his parable, Jesus gives a practical answer to a theoretical question. Here is love as Jesus defines it. Love, as our culture defines it, is usually romantic passion.
Love is pity in action, mercy in motion, practical kindness.
As the power of romance is most apparent in uniting opposites, Juliet Capulet and Romeo Montague, so the power of charity is most apparent in bringing together enemies. The men writhed in misery or dragged themselves inch by inch toward the rear. It was too much for Confederate sergeant Richard Kirkland to stand. He did this in plain view of both sides. No Confederate fired upon him though he was giving aid and comfort to the enemy.