(b) That's right. In these circumstances A does not appear to have a valid claim for damages for breach of contract against B. There is, of course, no doubt that B has breached the contract by substantially failing to deliver the computers as agreed. But breach of contract does not, on its own, justify a claim for damages. It must also be shown that loss has been suffered by the non-defaulting party as a result of the breach. In other words, damages compensate for recognisable loss: they are not awarded simply to punish a breach.

In the present case, A does not appear to have suffered any losses because of B's breach. He has managed to acquire the same kind of computers from another supplier, at the same price, and without any delay.