Reversal in Gender Dynamics
In most forms of media, especially before the mid 1990s or early 2000s, it is the male character who protects the female in distress, with the latter admiring the former. With this trope, it gets reversed. The female will fight off some enemy and/or protect the male in distress and instead of feeling shame or emasculated, he is not only appreciative but attracted to the woman. It shows that there is
nothing wrong in a man being attracted towards a woman for saving him
Different Forms of this Trope
While this trope is usually a guy is attracted to a girl for her
Action Girl qualities, this can also apply in her personality. After all, being tough and strong comes in many forms — Bravery, emotional resilience, indomitable spirit, strength of character, etc. If this were case, the man (or woman) in question might be a downplayed variant of the trope, but still applies.
