I don't take his comments towards Lloyd as just banter between two friends. I might be looking in to it a bit too much but it seems like the writers want you to understand that everything Ari says to Lloyd is something only ignorant people will say. Ari has been in Hollywood too long and is trying to change.
His comments might have been hateful in the beginning, but now as much as Ari wouldn't admit it, he really likes Lloyd and his comments are his way of showing him he cares.
And besides, Lloyd might be a little emotional, but he is the one of the sanest, most genuine characters in the show. I'm sure that's the side that the writers want you to see.
I can't believe I just wrote all that over Entourage...