[Veratyr]

It costs a judge absolutely nothing, as it's the judge's job. What does it "cost" when a judge jails a murderer or fines someone with unpaid parking tickets?

The scarier thing to consider is what does it cost not to hold this person in contempt of court? Much of society is built on the justice system being able to do its job and much of that ability is built on court orders being respected. What happens when some rich person sets a precedent of disobeying court orders without consequence?

[zdkl]

It costs political/career opportunities and will continue to do so while the potential defendants is/knows the "establishment" of the judges area of jurisdiction.