> But I think those have the same flaw, in that there isn't enough of a consequence for each part of the process

If there was sufficient consequence for this stuff, no one would ever take on any risk. No large works would ever even be started because it would be either impossible or incredibly difficult to be completely sure everything will go to plan.

So instead we take a medium amount of caution and take on projects knowing it's possible for them to not work out or to go over budget.