Final answer:
Statement (C) 'Services are deeds, efforts, or performances' does not explain why consumers are vulnerable to ethical misconduct; it is a definition of services. The intangibility, specialized nature, delay in evaluation, and lack of guarantees contribute to consumer vulnerability which is addressed by professional codes of ethics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the options provided, the statement that is NOT an explanation for why service consumers are particularly vulnerable to ethical misconduct is (C) Services are deeds, efforts, or performances. This statement simply defines what services are but does not inherently describe a vulnerability to ethical misconduct. On the other hand, statements (A), (B), (D), and (E) point out attributes that can make consumers susceptible: the intangibility of services (A), specialized and technical nature (B), the delay between service provision and evaluation (D), and the lack of guarantees and warranties (E).
It is important to recognize that services, unlike goods, are intangible and consequently harder to evaluate before purchase. Consumers cannot be experts in all services like gemstones, legal advice, or even technical services, which makes them reliant on the honesty and ethical conduct of service providers. Organizations and professional groups, recognizing these vulnerabilities, often issue codes of ethics to establish standards and protect both the profession and the consumer.