punitive damages
Punitive damages are a form of damage award given to the plaintiff not designed to compensate the plaintiff for injuries, but in order to deter the defendant or others that would conduct themselves in a similar manner in the future. Typically, punitive damages are awarded when the defendants conduct is so egregious (so bad) that it would warrant providing such an award.
Under California Civil Code 3294 - 3296 the applicable conditions for punitive damages are drawn out. Cal. Civ. Code 3294 states that if the plaintiff can prove by clear and convincing evidence that the "defendant has been guilty of oppression, fraud, or malice, the plaintiff, in addition to the actual damages, may recover damages for the sake of example and by way of punishing the defendant."