That’s a problem with the structure but still doesn’t make it a reward. This focus on punishment is a big part of why the US has such a shitty recidivism rate.

Prison isn’t a reward and harsh sentences are proven to not deter crime at all yet people still cling to barbarism.

No, many of us aren’t bloodthirsty psychopaths who hide behind “justice” to satisfy our cruel desires. Torturing criminals doesn’t make me feel better or make the world safer.