What term describes conduct that shows a willful disregard for a duty of care?

The term that describes conduct showing a willful disregard for a duty of care is gross negligence. This level of negligence goes beyond mere failure to provide appropriate care; it indicates a significant departure from the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation. In cases of gross negligence, the actions (or inactions) demonstrate a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of others, suggesting a conscious choice to ignore the responsibilities that come with a professional role or duty.

For example, if an EMT fails to perform necessary life-saving actions despite being fully aware of a patient's critical condition, this can be viewed as gross negligence because it reflects an intentional choice to disregard the established protocols and responsibilities inherent in the profession. This concept is crucial in legal contexts as it can lead to severe repercussions, including civil liability.

Ordinary negligence, on the other hand, refers to a failure to act with the care expected of a reasonably prudent person, but it does not imply the same level of disregard found in gross negligence. Malpractice typically refers to a professional's failure to meet the standards of their profession but doesn't necessarily involve the willful disregard implied in gross negligence. Standard care is not a term that denotes a specific level of negligence; it refers to the