Why do people always feel the need to ask ultimate questions? Who says any one of them "loved her more" then the other? I agree that all four loved her in different ways. To Xander, she's his hero, his fantasy. But he respects her too much to degrade her in any way. To Angel, she was an idea, a conquest, something he wanted to protect. To Riley, she was his true love, yet he never felt like he was enough for her. For Spike, she was his redemption - loving her inspired him to become a better man. She made her mark on all the men in her life, and all are better for it I believe.
---------- Post added at 03:11 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:07 PM ----------
Not to forget that Angel, Riley and Spike moved on away from Buffy while Xander is still by her side.
Yes, but this is because, unlike with Angel, Spike or Riley - she had a deep friendship with Xander from the beginning. At the time of Spikes death, Buffy was only starting to realize her feelings for him.
And I'd disagree that Spike "moved on". Are you referring to when he
died in "Chosen"? I wanted call that moving on
😉 I believe if he had lived he'd still be fighting by her side and fighting for her, in his own silent, snarky way. After all, he did say that no other girl could mean anything to him.
In regards to Angel, he absolutely did the right thing by leaving. Obviously, it could have never worked with the if he was a vampire, or if the cost was others lives or putting hers in danger (IWRY). Also, Buff could take care of herself, he had his own life to live.
Riley also had good reason to leave. She couldn't say she loved him, and he was living her life - not his. It wasn't right.
A champion deserves a champion.
In response to the actual question; I'm prone to go with Spike. I mean, he fought to get a soul for her, to 'give her what she deserved', he protected Dawn when he didn't have too, he allowed himself to be her punching bag and shoulder to cry on, and he loved her
without a soul. He died to save the world she was in.