Note that insofar as lack of empathy goes, Ava might be said to have the same lack of concern for the wellbeing of others as does Nathan, who like her manipulat

Note that insofar as lack of empathy goes, Ava might be said to have the same lack of concern for the wellbeing of others as does Nathan, who like her manipulated Caleb for personal aims and like her seemed to be unconcerned about caging other sentient creatures. So it's all very entwined, at least in terms of storyline. Whether it's intentional or not I cannot really say.