What type of damages may be awarded by the court to create disincentives that discourage behavior deemed highly undesirable by society?

Punitive damages are specifically designed to discourage behavior that is considered highly undesirable or harmful to society. Unlike compensatory damages, which aim to cover the actual loss or injury suffered by the plaintiff, punitive damages go further by imposing an additional financial penalty on the wrongdoer. The purpose of this extra punishment is to deter not only the defendant from repeating the harmful behavior but also to send a message to others that such actions will not be tolerated.

These damages are typically awarded in cases involving egregious conduct such as fraud, intentional wrongdoing, or gross negligence, where the actions of the defendant are deemed particularly harmful or malicious. The court looks at the severity of the misconduct and the potential impact on society as a whole when deciding to issue punitive damages. This process emphasizes the role of the legal system not just in resolving individual disputes, but also in promoting societal standards of conduct and personal responsibility.