How can Exxon not pay for destroying the environment?

Exxon is trying to get out of paying $2.5 billion in punative damages for spilling oil all over Alaska. From Think Progress":

“So what can a corporation do to protect itself against punitive-damages awards such as this?” [Chief Justice] Roberts asked in court.

The lawyer arguing for the Alaska fishermen affected by the spill, Jeffrey Fisher, had an idea. “Well,” he said, “it can hire fit and competent people.”

The rare sound of laughter rippled through the august chamber. The chief justice did not look amused.

But - hiring unfit people is a hallmark of the Bush administration! Why should corporations be any different?