A civil court has just found that Reuben has breached a contract entered into with the plaintiff. The court has consequently ordered Reuben to pay the plaintiff $75,000 in damages. Reuben feels aggrieved, believing that the damage award is excessive because the plaintiff's losses were not that substantial. Reuben thinks the court is punishing him by ordering such a high amount of damages to be paid.

Explain to Reuben the purpose why a court awards damages in a civil case.

Please explain it with at least one academic reference.