What type of damages are intended to punish the defendant in a civil lawsuit?

The correct answer is punitive damages, which are specifically designed not merely to compensate the injured party for losses suffered, but to punish the defendant for particularly egregious or wrongful behavior and to deter similar conduct in the future. Punitive damages serve to express societal outrage and provide a financial penalty that exceeds the actual harm caused by the defendant's actions.

In contrast, compensatory damages are aimed at reimbursing the plaintiff for the actual losses incurred, reflecting the goal of making the injured party whole. Nominal damages represent a small monetary award granted when a legal wrong has occurred, but there is no substantial loss to compensate for. Declaratory judgments are court rulings that determine the rights of parties without necessarily awarding damages or orders. Thus, punitive damages distinctly stand out in their purpose of punishment and deterrence, distinguishing them from the other types listed.