Why is a carrier's contractual liability sometimes called an obligation of result?

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Mosaic portrait of Emperor Justinian I with a jeweled crown and halo, from the 6th-century Basilica of San Vitale in Ravenna, Italy. — Carriage of goods Justinian I, detail of a 6th-century mosaic at the Church of San Vitale, Ravenna, Italy.

A carrier's contractual liability is often termed an "obligation of result" because the carrier acts as a warrantor for the goods in their possession. Under this legal framework, the carrier is bound to make full restitution for any damage to or loss of the goods unless they can successfully exculpate themselves by proving that the incident resulted from specific, legally recognized causes—such as irresistible force (force majeure), the inherent vice of the goods, or the fault of the shipper or consignee.1

Essentially, the carrier is not merely obligated to exercise reasonable care, but is held responsible for achieving the specific result of delivering the goods safely, subject only to these limited exceptions.1