Party at risk

Between the seller and the buyer, that party who has the most to lose in the event of damage or loss to a shipment, such as:

Unpaid sellers, especially if the problem occurs before the point where their responsibility for the condition of the shipped goods has passed.
Buyers who have prepaid, especially if the problem occurs after the point where the seller´s responsibility for the condition of the goods ends.
Whichever party is shown as shipper for the purpose of general average.

Dictionary of International Trade