Asymmetric Risk Exposure

Gain when the underlying asset that moves in one direction is significantly different from the loss when the underlying asset moves in the opposite direction; for example, when gains and losses associated with purchasing a call option on a stock are significantly different. Under a call option, when a stock price goes down, the loss incurred is limited to the purchase price of the option. If the stock price goes up, the purchaser of the call gains in proportion to the rise in the stock's value.