I whose screwed up mind can a life be worth more or less depending on how long the descent was and when in that process they all died?
The legal community, who make the awards, see
64 New York University Law Review 1989 Final Moments: Damages for Pain and Suffering Prior to Death
You will see in the reference that the extra damages are intended to have a deterrent effect.
I'm not a lawyer, so please don't shoot the messenger.