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Punitive damages refer to monetary compensation awarded in a lawsuit that goes beyond partial reimbursement for losses incurred by the plaintiff. They serve a specific purpose of punishing the wrongdoer for particularly egregious or malicious conduct and are designed to deter similar behavior in the future. This type of damage is distinct from compensatory damages, which only cover direct losses and expenses, as punitive damages aim to address the broader issue of misconduct in a way that discourages the defendant or others from engaging in similar acts.

The purpose of punitive damages is rooted in the legal principle that certain behaviors are so harmful or reckless that simply compensating victims for their losses is insufficient. Instead, society has an interest in enforcing standards of conduct that hold individuals or organizations accountable for their actions, especially when those actions demonstrate a disregard for the rights and safety of others.