Which of the following best describes 'gross negligence'?

Gross negligence is characterized by a significant deviation from the standard of care that a reasonable person would exercise in a similar situation. It goes beyond simple negligence, where someone might make a mistake or a misjudgment. In the context of personal lines insurance and liability, gross negligence indicates a failure to act with even the minimal levels of care that are generally expected, effectively disregarding the safety and well-being of others.

This definition aligns perfectly with the choice that describes it as a "lack of ordinary care." Ordinary care implies the reasonable steps one would take to prevent harm or loss. When someone acts with gross negligence, they essentially ignore these duties to an extreme degree, which can lead to severe consequences for themselves and others.

The other options do not capture the essence of gross negligence. Accidental harm may occur without negligence involved, as accidents can happen despite taking appropriate precautions. Intentional misconduct involves purposeful actions that cause harm, which differs fundamentally from the notion of negligence being a failure of care. Lastly, an ethical violation pertains to moral responsibilities and can exist independently of negligence claims, which are rooted in the legal standard of care.