Legal Definitions - ulterior intent

Ulterior intent refers to a hidden, secondary, or unstated purpose behind an action, distinct from the apparent or immediate reason given. It implies a motive or goal that is not openly declared but drives an individual's conduct.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Business Acquisition

  A large corporation publicly announces its intention to acquire a smaller tech startup, stating the acquisition is to "integrate innovative technology and expand market reach." However, the corporation's ulterior intent is actually to dismantle the startup's research and development team, preventing them from developing a competing product that could threaten the larger company's market dominance.

  Explanation: The stated intent is growth and technological integration. The hidden, ulterior intent is to eliminate a potential competitor and suppress innovation that could challenge their position.

• Example 2: Property Transaction

  A property owner offers to sell a vacant lot to a neighbor at a significantly reduced price, claiming it's a "friendly gesture to help a good neighbor expand their yard." The neighbor accepts, believing it to be a generous offer. However, the seller's ulterior intent is to avoid the significant costs of environmental cleanup required on the lot, knowing that once sold, the responsibility for the cleanup will transfer to the new owner.

  Explanation: The stated intent is neighborly generosity. The hidden, ulterior intent is to offload a costly liability onto an unsuspecting buyer.

• Example 3: Accessing Information

  An individual applies for a volunteer position at a local community center, emphasizing their desire to "give back to the community and help organize events." While these might be partial motivations, their primary ulterior intent is to gain access to the center's confidential donor list, which they plan to use for their own unrelated fundraising efforts or to sell to a third party.

  Explanation: The stated intent is community service. The hidden, ulterior intent is to exploit the position to acquire valuable private information for personal gain.