What is defined as a willful, wanton or reckless disregard of the consequences affecting the life or property of another?

Gross negligence is characterized by a severe deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation. It implies a conscious and intentional disregard for the safety and well-being of others, which can result in significant harm or damage. In this context, "willful, wanton or reckless disregard" embodies the essence of gross negligence, as it reflects actions taken with clear awareness of the potential for substantial consequences for another person's life or property.

In contrast, simple negligence involves a failure to act with the care that a reasonably prudent person would exercise, but it lacks the heightened level of recklessness or disregard present in gross negligence. Comparative negligence refers to a legal doctrine that compares the fault of both parties involved in an incident to determine damages, while contributory negligence absolves a plaintiff from recovering damages if they are found to have any share in the negligence that caused their injuries. These concepts do not embody the same level of intentional disregard for safety and property that gross negligence does, reinforcing why the latter is the correct choice in this scenario.