What defines a 'tort' in legal terms?

A tort in legal terms is defined as a civil wrongdoing that causes harm or loss to an individual, leading to legal liability. This encompasses various forms of wrongful acts, the most common being negligence, where an individual fails to exercise a reasonable standard of care, resulting in injury or damage to another party. The key aspect of tort law is that it allows individuals to seek compensation for harm caused by another party's actions or failure to act.

In this context, negligence is a central theme of tort law, as it highlights how failure to adhere to a standard of care can result in personal injury or property damage. For example, if a driver operates a vehicle recklessly and causes an accident, the injured party may file a tort claim against the driver for the damages incurred.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of a tort. A criminal offense pertains to acts that violate laws meant to protect public safety, which are prosecuted by the state. A contractual breach involves failure to fulfill an agreement between parties, leading to legal disputes primarily in the context of contract law rather than tort law. Lastly, failure to meet regulatory standards may stem from administrative law and involve penalties or regulatory action rather than a civil suit for damages, which is characteristic of a tort. Thus