What do punitive damages aim to achieve for the claimant?

Punitive damages are specifically designed to serve as a deterrent against future wrongdoing, making this the correct answer. This type of damage goes beyond merely compensating the claimant for losses incurred, as it aims to punish the wrongdoer for particularly egregious behavior. By imposing punitive damages, the legal system seeks to discourage the defendant and others from engaging in similar misconduct in the future.

While direct compensation refers to the reimbursement for actual losses, punitive damages do not serve that purpose; rather, they focus on punishing unjust behavior. Simplifying legal proceedings is not a goal of punitive damages; in fact, these cases often involve extensive legal discussions and justifications for the awards. Covering lost wages addresses compensatory aspects of a claim but does not align with the punitive intent behind these damages. Thus, the emphasis on deterrence fundamentally distinguishes punitive damages from other forms of financial recovery in litigation.