As long as the software model is, "if it crashes my desktop computer (or my handheld device, etc.), there is no legal liability for the consequences of my bug,"

As long as the software model is, "if it crashes my desktop computer (or my handheld device, etc.), there is no legal liability for the consequences of my bug," the lawyers do not have an entry point. Put it in as software embedded in a device where the crash may lead to physical crashes, injuries, and deaths, and the liability stakes increase immeasurably as lawyers and lawsuits enter the picture. This is a tough area, as almost all complex coding will have bugs in it. In such cases, the manufacturer of the device will have the primary liability to the injured party but almost certainly would have indemnification/contribution rights against the software developer as well. Whether such rights would ever be exercised against a company employee is doubtful but they would undoubtedly be used against a contractor to whom the work had been subbed out. Important words of caution for software developers dealing with such systems.