Sure, intent is relevant, but the example was "a suicidal pilot flying the plane into a mountain on purpose". Isn't killing all those passengers a crime?
It’s not one or the other, especially if there’s intent. Yes punish, but don’t scapegoat the whole systemic problems on the individual and then think you solved the problem by creating a ‘deterrence’ to others. Life doesn’t work that way. Imagine if every serious crime prompted a review and action to stop it ever happening again - imagine how much further along we’d be to a more just society.
