What is the intent behind someone committing extortion?

The intent behind extortion is primarily to deprive someone of their property through coercion or threats. In extortion, an individual seeks to obtain something of value (often money, but it can also include property or services) by using illegal means such as intimidation, threats of harm, or actual physical harm. This act is characterized by the perpetrator’s use of pressure to compel the victim to surrender their assets against their will.

In this context, options like repaying a debt, stealing monetary gains, or misleading law enforcement don’t capture the essence of extortion. Repaying a debt implies a lawful obligation, while stealing involves taking something without the owner's consent, which is different from extortion where the victim is pressured to give willingly, albeit under duress. Misleading law enforcement isn't a direct outcome of extortion, though it could be a secondary effect in certain situations. Overall, the crux of extortion lies in the coercive nature aimed at depriving someone of their property.