What are punitive damages intended for?

Punitive damages are specifically designed to serve as a punishment for the defendant and to deter similar misconduct in the future. They go beyond merely compensating the plaintiff for actual losses and are awarded in cases where the defendant's actions are found to be particularly harmful, reckless, or intentional. By imposing these damages, the legal system aims not only to address the wrongdoing in the case at hand but also to send a message to others that such behavior will lead to serious consequences. This serves to help maintain societal standards and encourage individuals and businesses to act responsibly.

Other options focus on different aspects of legal judgments. For instance, covering actual losses pertains to compensatory damages rather than punitive damages. Reassessing a previous judgment or providing legal fees relates to other legal processes and remedies, which do not align with the primary purpose of punitive damages. Thus, the answer aligns distinctly with the aim of punitive damages within the judicial system.