One function of the discharge line is to carry the high-pressure superheated vapor from the compressor discharge valve to the entrance of the condenser.
The discharge line also acts as a desuperheater, cooling the superheated vapors that the compressor has compressed and giving that heat up to the ambient (surroundings). These compressed vapors contain all the heat that the evaporator and suction line have absorbed, along with the heat of compression of the compression stroke.
Any generated motor winding heat also may be contained in the discharge line refrigerant, which is why the beginning of the discharge line is the hottest part of the refrigeration system. On hot days when the system is under a high load and may have a dirty condenser, the discharge line can go over 400 ° F.
By desuperheating refrigerant, the vapors will be cooled to the saturation temperature of the condenser. Once the vapors reach the condensing saturation temperature for that pressure, condensation of vapor to liquid will take place as more heat is lost.
Source: AC&R Safety Coalition's “Universal R-410A Safety and Training” manual
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