I'm not sure you can domesticate millions of years of evolution in snakes. I mean sure, they "learn" that this giant who smells like X wont hurt me and yes the mental stimulation from coming outside the cage might "excite" them but i imagine its more about, "i know there is no food in this cage, but there might be food outside in this other place, lets check around". While i do agree that reptiles do have a form of intelligence, you sure aren't going to get your ball python to chase a ball and bring it back to you or wake you up if there is a fire in your house to save your life. They don't "love" you but i would say they get used to us and tolerate us and i swear my big BCI girl does love to come outside and roam around but I'm probably just attaching an emotion to something that could be scientifically explained. Regardless though, i will still say my snakes like me. And i swear my bearded dragon loves me....or at least love me for the hornworms i give her