What does the phrase "for his own purposes" relate to in Rylands v Fletcher?

In the context of Rylands v Fletcher, the phrase "for his own purposes" refers to the intent of the landowner regarding the use of their land. This case established a form of strict liability where a landowner can be held responsible for harm caused by something brought onto their land, provided it is done for their own benefit or objectives.

The significance lies in the idea that the landowner's activities are aimed at achieving personal gain or utility. When a landowner intentionally collects and retains something, such as water or other hazardous materials, which then causes damage, this deliberate action for personal purposes establishes a direct connection to their liability under this principle. The intent to utilize the land for one’s own ends is a fundamental element in assessing responsibility in nuisance cases under this doctrine.

Other aspects like the type of person liable, regulatory considerations, and historical use of the land may provide context but do not directly tie to the meaning of "for his own purposes" in the context of liability as defined by this landmark case.