Which type of damages seeks to punish and deter behavior?

The correct choice is punitive damages, as these are specifically designed to punish a wrongdoer for particularly egregious or reckless behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. Unlike compensatory damages, which are intended to reimburse the injured party for actual losses suffered, punitive damages go beyond mere compensation to impose an additional financial penalty on the offender. This is especially relevant in cases involving intentional misconduct, fraud, or gross negligence, where the court seeks to make an example of the offender to discourage others from behaving similarly.

Other types of damages, such as compensatory damages, general damages, and nominal damages, focus on addressing the losses incurred by the injured party rather than punishing the responsible party. Compensatory damages cover actual losses, while general damages address non-economic harm such as pain and suffering. Nominal damages, on the other hand, are small amounts awarded when a legal wrong has occurred without significant loss or injury, serving primarily as a recognition of the right violated rather than a punitive measure.