They are damages so, indeed, it is unfair to compare them to fines, as all damages are tax deductible. I stand corrected.

I am not trying to claim that the situation is illegal, merely that it is immoral (thus the human part). Putting aside the laws and codes, paying to fix a situation that you created through negligence should not be a normal business expense IMHO.

I resent the idea that you can pay you way out of almost all situations unless the victim is richer than you.