If I was going to be charitable, I'd say that it's part of Superman's Midwestern farm boy apprehension about his own powers, where he's afraid of what might happen if his own powers are turned toward bad ends (if I recall correctly, Superman gave Batman Lex Luthor's Kryptonite ring for safe keeping).
But it was written by Brad Meltzer, so fuck being charitable; you're right, it is prickish.