What is res extincta?

Res extincta, a legal term from Roman law, refers to property that has ceased to exist or has been destroyed, making it impossible for the owner to exercise any rights over it. This concept is significant in discussions of ownership and liability, particularly in cases involving lost or destroyed goods. Once property is classified as res extincta, it is typically considered to revert to the state of being ownerless, thus complicating issues of restitution or compensation.