Question

What motivates the apothecary to risk his life to "help" Romeo?

Answer 1

I think the question refers to the scene in which Romeo buys poison from the apothecary, although it is illegal on pain of death to sell such poisons. Here is the excerpt from the scene in question. Romeo starts talking to the apothecary at around line 55.

https://www.playshakespeare.com/romeo-and-juliet/scenes/313-act-v-scene-1

Answer 2

Essentially, Romeo pays the apothecary with '40 ducats', The apothecary responds, "My poverty, but not my will, consents"