In our economic and legal system, individuals hold the privilege of creating a corporation or limited liability company which is a legal person. In that way individuals can go into business under a company name, without being personally liable for the debts incurred by the company. If the company loses money and is unable to pay its debts, the individuals behind the venture can walk away. That's the American way; it facilitates risk and enables business. This limitation on the owners' liability is referred to as the corporate veil.