Which of the following refers to monetary compensation for losses due to a breach of contract?

The correct answer, compensatory damages, refers specifically to monetary compensation granted to a party for losses incurred as a result of a breach of contract. This type of damage is intended to restore the injured party to the position they would have been in had the breach not occurred. It covers direct losses as well as incidental expenses related to the breach, making it a fundamental principle in contract law designed to ensure fairness and accountability in agreements.

Restitution involves returning a party to their pre-contract state and may not necessarily cover full lost profits or damages incurred due to the breach. Punitive damages, on the other hand, are intended to punish the breaching party and deter future misconduct, rather than simply compensating the injured party for their losses. Liquidated damages are pre-determined penalties specified in the contract itself, applicable if a breach occurs, but they do not reflect actual damages experienced, which can lead to disputes regarding their fairness. This distinction underscores why compensatory damages is the most appropriate and precise term for monetary compensation resulting from a contractual breach.