Gross Negligence is defined as an act (or a failure to act) that is so reckless it shows a conscious voluntary disregard for the safety of others. Which term matches this definition?

• A. Negligence
• B. Gross Negligence
• C. Malfeasance
• D. Willful misconduct

Answer: (B)

Gross negligence describes acting with extreme recklessness and a conscious disregard for others’ safety. This goes beyond ordinary carelessness because the person is aware of the risk and still chooses to ignore it. That explicit element of “conscious voluntary disregard” is the key distinction here and is what makes this term the best fit for the definition given.

In ordinary negligence, a person fails to exercise reasonable care but doesn’t exhibit that level of deliberate indifference. Malfeasance involves performing an illegal or wrongful act, and willful misconduct involves intentional wrongdoing or deliberate violation of rules. Those imply intent to harm or break rules, whereas gross negligence centers on a reckless disregard for safety even if there isn’t a specific intent to harm.