The intensity of desire for retribution depends on the cultural context. In any case, you're conflating retribution with the death penalty, but these are not

The intensity of desire for retribution depends on the cultural context. In any case, you're conflating retribution with the death penalty, but these are not synonymous. Imprisonment is a form of retribution too, as are fines, caning, etc. Any punishment that is unpleasant has an element of retribution.