The Businessman
A man found his wallet had been stolen from him. He found the culprit and sued him for damages, for a total that he knew the culprit would never be able to pay off. But he demanded it regardless because he felt he deserved to be compensated. He also demanded that the culprit be put on probation, lest he try and steal items from another innocent businessman.
"Is there really nothing I can do instead of paying?" pleaded the culprit.
The man felt insulted. "You have stolen my wallet, which contained many precious bank cards and business cards I had need of. This amount is too little for such a large offence."
"But I gave you your wallet back! You haven't suffered any other damages!" The culprit gave up pleading. He promised to pay it off in monthly installments before walking off to his wife and four children, murmuring to her "it's okay, I'll find a way to support the school funds..."
Slightly uncomfortable, the man loosened his Armani tie and walked out of the courtroom. Outside, he met a young girl, chasing a boy.
"Hey, you took my ice cream! Give it back!" she cried. The boy stuck his tongue out and slowed down.
"I'm sorry. Here, I'll buy you a new one!" the boy ran up to the ice cream van and bought another one, giving it to the girl. She smiled, forgiving him and waved goodbye.
The man was intrigued. "Why did you let him just buy you another ice cream? He would be obliged to give you more money, because you had to go to the trouble of buying another ice cream."
"Well, I only lost an ice cream, that's all he did. And ice creams can be bought again," she shrugged.
Make the punishment fit the crime.