correct and if you need to change admin view base file for example:
vendor/magento/module-ui/view/base/web/templates/grid/listing.html
NOTE: this file is responsible for any grid in admin
you will have to create new admin theme and put template file in Magento_Ui folder inside new admin theme so that admin will call template from your theme location for example:
app/design/adminhtml/Vendor/Theme/Magento_Ui/web/templates/grid/listing.html
NOTE: I am putting this answer because i had one similar issue in admin side and i have posted question in magento stackexchange and i got solved it after long efforts so someone can get help from this answer.please check my question for more:
How can I add new Class in Magento2 sales grid?