What are "punitive damages" designed to do?

Punitive damages are specifically intended to serve as a punishment to the defendant for particularly egregious conduct. They go beyond merely compensating the plaintiff for their losses, which is the primary purpose of compensatory damages. Instead, punitive damages are awarded in cases where the defendant's actions are found to be willfully malicious, fraudulent, or excessively negligent, demonstrating a blatant disregard for the safety or rights of others.

This type of damage seeks not only to penalize the wrongdoer but also to deter similar conduct in the future by others. It is used to send a message that harmful behavior will not be tolerated, enhancing societal standards of behavior.

In contrast, options that focus on compensatory efforts or minor grievances do not encompass the true purpose of punitive damages, which is rooted in accountability and deterrence rather than mere compensation or acknowledgment of grievances.