Is the LTC3115-1 thermal shutdown meant to protect the chip?

Is the LTC3115-1 thermal shutdown meant to protect the chip from excessive load or short circuit? 

Thermal shutdown occurs at  ~165°C, but the absolute max is 125°C or 150°C depending upon the package.

I am using the LTC3115EDHD-1#PBF or 125°C package.

I am using a circuit similar to the DC2119A reference design with the following exceptions.  T

1) L1=5.6µH instead of 10µA

2) Total output capacitance is ~44µF instead of 95µF.

This circuit is supposed to be good for about 2A.  My normal load is about 600 to 700mA.  If I attempt to double this load, I have had two LTC3115-1 devices fail.  After the device fails, it  no longer produces PVCC (even with no load).

My input voltage is 12V.