What are punitive damages primarily intended to achieve?

Punitive damages are specifically designed to serve a dual purpose: to punish the tortfeasor, who has acted in a particularly egregious or reckless manner, and to deter similar conduct in the future by others. This type of damage goes beyond mere compensation for losses suffered by the victim and focuses instead on the broader implications of the tortious behavior.

The essence of punitive damages lies in their intent to discourage not only the defendant from repeating their harmful actions but also to send a message to the public that such behavior will lead to significant consequences. The outcome aims to influence behavior and maintain societal standards by imposing financial penalties that exceed the actual harm caused. As a result, this reinforces the legal system's commitment to upholding accountability and encouraging lawful conduct among individuals and organizations.

While other options may address aspects of legal outcomes, they do not focus on the primary goals of punitive damages, which are centered around punishment and deterrence.