Index of a function and a gradient flow We know index of function $F:\mathbb{R}^n\to\mathbb{R}$ at critical point $x_0\in\mathbb{R}^n$ is the number of negative eigen values of Hessian matrix $DF^2(x_0)$. By intuition, it's also the number of decreasing direction. Let's call $F$'s index $F$-index. When $F$ is viewed as height function, then sink's $F$-index is a $0$, and source($2$),saddle($1$).
For dynamical system $X'=DF(X)$, negative eigen value of $DF^2(x_0)$ implies moving back to critical point $x_0$. In this case, sink's $F$-index is $2$, source($0$), saddle($1$).
The concept of source/sink/saddle is different according to the same index. Is it the reason that  gradient flow is defined as $X'=-DF(X)$ by convention?
 A: The idea of gradient flow going against the gradient comes from natural sciences, not from the desire to match two mathematical definitions. In physics, a system tends to minimize  its potential energy, and therefore evolves in the direction    opposite the gradient. The force with potential $U$ is $-\nabla U$. The direction of net flow of some substance in a mixture is opposite to the gradient of its concentration.  
This point of view influences the definitions of index of Morse-Smale dynamical systems. As seen here or here, they are commonly  expressed  in the form $\dot X=-\nabla F(X)$. The index of a stationary point of $F$ was already defined as the number of negative Hessian eigenvalues. From the dynamical system point of view, the index is taken  as the dimension of the unstable manifold, so that it coincides with the previous notion of index. 
My point is, it's the $-\nabla$  that influences the definitions of index, not the other way around.  
When someone decides to fight the influence of physics  and define gradient flows as $\dot X=\nabla F(X)$, they end up with  slightly inconsistent definitions; no big deal. 
