How we cite our quotes: All quotations are from Star Trek III: The Search for Spock.
Quote #7
KIRK: My God, Bones, what have I done?
MCCOY: What you had to do. What you always do. Turn death into a fighting chance to live.
Although Kirk loved the Enterprise, he understands it is just a tool designed to help him meet a goal. So, when it came time for him to save lives, he willingly sacrifices it to do so. This is in contrast to Kruge and David, who sacrificed lives for the pursuit of technology.