What describes gross negligence as a form of tort?

• A. Negligence with intent to harm
• B. Gross negligence is a standard of intent
• C. Gross negligence is a higher degree of negligence showing reckless disregard for safety
• D. No liability for gross negligence

Answer: (C)

Gross negligence means a level of carelessness that goes beyond ordinary failure to exercise reasonable care and shows a reckless disregard for the safety of others. In tort law, negligence is failing to meet a reasonable standard of care; gross negligence is that failure taken to a much more extreme degree, where the conduct demonstrates a blatant indifference to risk. It’s not about intending to harm someone—that would be an intentional tort—but about acting with such indifference that the risk of harm is obvious. Because of this heightened level of recklessness, a person can be liable for damages, and in some cases punitive damages may be awarded. So the description that gross negligence is a higher degree of negligence showing reckless disregard for safety is the best fit.