You are talking about disc brakes, but should note this in your subject and/or first sentence of your post, so more people will read your post with understanding. Rim brakes are often referred to as "caliper brakes".

I'm not knowledgeable about disc brakes, but there is a basic trade-off in any brake system between pull distance and clamping force. If the brake+lever geometry allows the calipers to open wider, then the caliper will have less clamping force.