Which type of civil damage aims to punish grossly negligent or intentional acts?

Punitive damages serve the specific purpose of punishing the defendant for particularly harmful behavior, such as gross negligence or intentional wrongful acts, and deterring similar conduct in the future. Unlike compensatory damages, which aim to reimburse the victim for actual losses suffered, punitive damages are awarded over and above these amounts to address the egregiousness of the defendant’s actions. They send a clear message that certain conduct is unacceptable and will have significant consequences, thereby upholding societal standards of behavior.

Exemplary damages are often used interchangeably with punitive damages, but the term "punitive damages" is more commonly recognized in legal contexts for this particular function. Compensatory damages focus on making the victim whole again by covering losses, while nominal damages acknowledge a violation of rights without substantial loss. Thus, recognizing punitive damages as the appropriate categorization for punishing grossly negligent or intentional actions reflects an understanding of the legal system's approach to deterring harm beyond mere compensation for loss.