____ is an aggravated form of negligence that involves an extreme departure from the ordinary standard of care.

• A. Ordinary negligence
• B. Recklessness
• C. Gross negligence
• D. Strict liability

Answer: (C)

Gross negligence describes an aggravated form of negligence marked by an extreme departure from the ordinary standard of care. It goes beyond simply failing to exercise reasonable caution and shows a flagrant disregard for safety that a reasonable person would recognize as risking harm. Ordinary negligence is a failure to meet reasonable care, but not at the extreme level implied by gross negligence. Recklessness involves a conscious disregard for known risks and can be treated similarly in many cases, but the defining description here points to gross negligence. Strict liability imposes liability regardless of fault, so it isn’t the correct concept.