Negligence is defined as?

Negligence is indeed defined as the failure to do something that a reasonable person would ordinarily do. This principle is key in understanding how negligence operates in both legal and practical scenarios. It is centered around the concept of reasonable behavior; in other words, it evaluates actions based on a hypothetical "reasonable person" standard.

In examining negligence, one must consider whether the individual's actions fell short of what the average person would have done under similar circumstances. If an individual fails to take appropriate actions—like following safety protocols or maintaining equipment properly—they may be found negligent if that failure leads to harm or damage.

This definition provides a foundation for assessing liability in various situations, such as accidents or injuries. It encompasses a broad spectrum of behaviors and highlights the importance of acting responsibly to prevent harm to oneself and others. Therefore, option A accurately captures the essence of negligence in legal terms.