Scorched-earth defense
The scorched-earth defense is a form of risk arbitrage and anti-takeover strategy.
Endgame (Babylon 5)
With the Earth fleet disrupted, Sheridan's fleet easily bypasses it and reaches Earth's orbit. Sheridan broadcasts that they seek President Clark to be removed from office. Clark instead activates the Earth defense grid in a "scorched earth" strategy, targeting the satellites' missiles at both Sheridan's fleet and Earth, an action that would destroy nearly half of the planet. Clark then commits suicide. Senator Crosby informs Sheridan of Clark's death and the situation. Sheridan's fleet, along with help from the ships of the Non-Aligned Worlds, destroy most of the satellites. But one remains active, and only the damaged "Agamemnon" is nearby. Sheridan issues orders to ram the satellite but just then the "Apollo" jumps in and Lefcourt has his guns destroy the satellite. Lefcourt thanks Sheridan for doing the right thing though warns him he will likely face a tribunal.