[derrida]

Ok, I'll concede for purposes of discussion that the average speeding ticket and associated penalties are an effective deterrent. It still seems like you ignored the statement that the $11 billion figure doesn't accurately represent Pfizer's actual profits, though.

Of course a fine should represent the offender's ability to pay, just as much as it represents the offense committed. Are you arguing that punishment is administered solely to recompensate society for prior wrongs?