Why do people lose money when a business fails?

[Pom]

Let's say you invest half a million dollars and you don't get any business, no money, if you sell the business don't you get your money back anyway?

[Alex S]

Just because you want to sell your business for half a million dollars doesn't mean anyone will want to buy it.

[Michael T]

You have to pay salaries, rent, utilities, build out, stock, advertising, etc. and usually by time the doors close, there are more bills then assets remaining left in the business.