1. Sutton did not "pay the whole verdict" or "lose the ranch." He settled for $100,000
2. Nethercott, the "bounty hunter" was a convicted felon, and is now serving time as felon in possession. That happens a dozen times a day in courts all over the country.
3. Nethercott may have had a defense, but he didn't present any. If you sue (or are sued) and the defendant simply blows off the court by not answering, you have to expect a default judgment against the defendant.
4. The whole episode is a bit strange, but it certainly doesn't mean that every defense of property will mean you lose yours.
5. The CRIMINAL jury hung on the "pistol-whipping" charge. A civil jury might have found either way, but Nethercott didn't answer and put that to a jury.
Was Nethercott in jail when the Civil case came up? What are the provisions for inmates when it comes to answering a Civil - as opposed to a Criminal - court case?