Which of the following describes punitive damages?

Punitive damages are specifically designed to go beyond merely compensating the victim for their losses, which is the primary purpose of compensatory damages. Instead, these damages are awarded to punish a defendant for particularly egregious or malicious behavior and to deter others from engaging in similar conduct. The focus is not on the actual loss suffered by the plaintiff but rather on the need to uphold societal standards and discourage wrongful actions.

In this context, compensatory damages refer to financial compensation for actual injuries or losses, which includes tangible injuries, special damages, or loss of income. However, the primary function of punitive damages is to serve a broader purpose of punishment and deterrence, distinguishing them from other types of damages that simply aim to make the victim whole.