We didn't try to do a lot of things, but ...

In legal sense, intent to commit a wrong sometimes is not needed before finding liability.  Mere negligence (e.g. ignorance, carelessness, incompetence) is enough. 

I didn't try to get my wife angry, but whatever I said made her angry. 

I didn't try to cause a car accident, but whatever I did caused a car accident.  

"I didn't try to..." is a weak defense.  Next time try to say "I didn't ...." in your own defense.