The correct answer is: "The lavish spending of the royal court".
According to historical records, one of the main reasons for France's financial crisis during the second half of the 18th century was the excessive spending of the royal crown, under the rule of Louis XVI. It was believed that his wife, Marie Antoinette, was the main influence behind this excessive spending. During this period, the royalty received excessive benefits, such as individual living estates, rather than living together as a family.