Which damages are intended to punish wrongful conduct rather than compensate the plaintiff?

• A. Compensatory damages
• B. Nominal damages
• C. Exemplary damages
• D. Punitive damages

Answer: (D)

Punitive damages are awarded to punish wrongful conduct and deter others from similar behavior, rather than to compensate the plaintiff for actual losses. They go beyond making the plaintiff whole and are typically reserved for cases involving particularly egregious, intentional, or reckless conduct. By contrast, compensatory damages aim to reimburse the plaintiff for actual harms—economic losses like medical bills and lost wages, plus non-economic harms like pain and suffering. Nominal damages are a symbolic, often very small award when a legal wrong occurred but no substantial actual harm is proven. Exemplary damages are sometimes discussed as punishing especially egregious behavior as well, but the standard, widely recognized purpose that matches the question is punishment and deterrence provided by punitive damages.