Morrison's tongue-in-cheek characterization of Batman is on target for the earliest stories. In his first adventures, Superman cleared slums, saved people from unjust execution, punished mine owners who skimped on safety, and fought for his own intellectual property.
In contrast, Batman protected Gotham's elite and their property: wealthy investors, jewel collectors, partygoers, scientists who just wanted to collect other people (is that so wrong?).
I don't think Bruce Wayne showed much social conscience until Dick Grayson came along. Sometime in 1940 there was a story about setting up a sports club to keep other boys away from crime.