What is typically the nature of obligations in a gratuitous contract?

In a gratuitous contract, the essence is that one party is providing a benefit to another without expecting anything in return. This type of contract typically involves no exchange of obligations—meaning that one party gives something without requiring a counter obligation from the other party. Therefore, while one party may bear the entire benefit of the transaction, the other does not incur any obligation to reciprocate or perform any action in return.

The nature of these obligations means that the benefiting party receives something of value while the party providing the benefit bears the burden of the contract. Unlike contracts where both parties have reciprocal obligations or where conditions might apply, gratuitous contracts operate on the principle of one-sided benefit without the expectation of gain or obligation for the receiving party.