How is a tort considered different from a criminal wrong?

A tort is fundamentally different from a criminal wrong primarily in its purpose and the consequences of the actions involved. When a tort occurs, it typically results in harm to an individual or entity, and the legal remedy sought is compensation for the damages caused. This compensation can take various forms, such as monetary damages, which are awarded to the injured party to cover losses incurred due to the wrongful act.

In contrast, criminal wrongs are offenses against the state or society as a whole, and they usually result in punitive measures such as imprisonment, fines, or community service rather than compensatory damages to an individual victim. The primary objective of tort law is to make the injured party "whole," whereas criminal law focuses on punishing the offender to deter future offenses and protect public order.

Understanding this distinction clarifies why option C accurately reflects the nature of torts, emphasizing their focus on compensating those harmed rather than imposing punishment on the perpetrator.