Final Answer:
The accounting process of capitalizing an asset's cost and then depreciating that cost over time primarily aligns with the Matching Principle. so the correct option is D) Matching Principle.
Step-by-step explanation:
Capitalizing an asset's cost: When an asset is acquired, its cost is initially recorded on the balance sheet as an asset. This aligns with the practice of recognizing and recording the economic value of the asset.
Depreciating that cost over time: The process of depreciating the cost of the asset over its useful life aligns with the Matching Principle. This principle states that expenses should be recognized in the same period as the revenue they help to generate. In this context, the depreciation expense is matched with the revenue the asset generates over time.
Matching Principle: The Matching Principle ensures that expenses are recognized in the same accounting period as the related revenue, providing a more accurate representation of a company's financial performance. so the correct option is D) Matching Principle.