1 - The bank signed a copy then gave one to the customer to sign. If the customer changed the print at this point, it would no longer be valid.
2 - What this guy did, the bank gave him a copy, he modified it, then signed it, then sent it back, to which the bank approved. Which is still technically valid.
Here's a thought from someone who's semi bi-lingual from a very young age. (Semi because I'm not completely fluent, but proficient.
Some people when speaking another language that's not native, will 'image' the english word when talking. Like, saying "ni hao" but in their mind it will be 'hello'.
However for people who've learned it from a young age, 'ni hao' is simply 'ni hao' and 'hello' is 'hello' but the meanings we recognize as the same. I don't remember the source to this, but take it as you will.
I disagree with your definition of tough love. Most people view tough love as not willing to spoil your child. Allowing them to know what consequences are for unacceptable behavior. But that doesn't automatically add "negation of all parental care" into the term.