Which of the following best describes the concept of negligence?

The correct choice highlights that negligence is fundamentally defined as a failure to act, or a failure to exercise the appropriate level of care, which subsequently results in harm to another party. In legal terms, negligence typically involves a duty of care that one party owes to another. When this duty is not upheld—whether through actions not taken or through carelessness that leads to an injury—it constitutes negligence.

This concept is grounded in the idea that individuals and organizations must conduct themselves in a manner that a reasonable person would, to prevent foreseeable harm to others. In a negligence claim, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant did not fulfill this standard of care.

The other available choices focus on different legal concepts. For instance, an intentional act that causes harm pertains to torts involving wrongful intent, while a strict liability condition refers to situations where a defendant is held liable for damages without the need to prove negligence or intent. Additionally, a breach of contract relates to failure to fulfill the obligations outlined in a contractual agreement, which is distinct from the tort of negligence. Understanding these differences is crucial for recognizing the unique nature of negligence within the broader framework of legal issues.