A penalty gives a mistake a price without undoing the advantage it created.

A penalty prices a foul without reversing it. The advantage gained may already be banked, and the punishment is a separate transaction rather than a restoration, which is why deliberate infringements can still be worth it. Sanctions and remedies are not the same thing.

This is true of most rule systems, including fines, apologies, and workplace consequences. When you assess whether a rule protects anything, ask whether breaking it can still leave you ahead. If it can, expect it to be broken. And when you are wronged, notice whether what is on offer is a punishment for the other party or an actual repair for you, since only one of those helps.