Verbal interaction deals with concepts - one person articulates thoughts that are received and recognized by another person. Whether the verbal interaction is positive or negative still does not negate the fact that only concepts are being shared. The party on the receiving end of verbal abuse has the choice of how much this will effect them, as concepts projected into the open can be taken to heart or simply ignored.
Physical assault, on the other hand, does not give the receiver a choice of how they are effected. They will be damaged, without the option of not allowing the assault to effect them.
Therefore, the former is not equivalent to the latter, and as such, the latter should not be considered an appropriate response to the former.