Steven Taylor in The Celestial Toymaker

I think the above comment makes an interesting point. It's something I've seen mentioned in regards to the audience reception to Martha based on how the Doctor treats her. It's sort of like subliminal messaging, though I don't think the intention was to write an unpopular character.

In regards to Steven though, I liked him in this. I've liked him in all the stories I have seen him in. I don't think he was coming off as aggressive, just perhaps a little touchy and as Nyki says, there's a good enough reason to justify it.