What's everyone's take on Bane?

I'm really intrigued by how he seems intent on "punishing" Batman/Bruce instead of strictly antagonizing him. Maybe there isn't a difference, but that's why I'd like to open the discussion on that topic. He's obviously the ultimate physical foil to Bats, but in the bigger picture, is he more threatening than Joker or Ra's? At his core, he doesn't seem too different from either, which is why I'm so interested in the nuances of his villainy like the "punishment" aspect. In any case, I'm looking forward to Bane breaking many bones and causing general carnage.