Final answer:
Individuals who commit fraud typically have the ability to rationalize their fraudulent actions and also possess the necessary incentive and opportunity, which is reflected in answer choice A) Yes / Yes.
Step-by-step explanation:
When analyzing the question of whether individuals who commit fraud are able to rationalize the act and also have an incentive and opportunity, we must consider the framework of cost-benefit analysis which is a common approach in economics to understanding crime. Committing fraud often involves the fraudster weighing the benefits, such as financial gain, against the costs, including the risk of getting caught and the potential punishment. The question suggests that individuals able to commit fraud typically possess both the ability to rationalize their actions and the necessary incentive and opportunity to carry out the fraudulent act. The answer to whether individuals who commit fraud are ordinarily able to rationalize the act and also have an incentive and opportunity is A) Yes / Yes. Rationalizations may include the denial of the victim, where the fraudster justifies their actions by perceiving themselves as entitled or the victim as deserving of their fate. The incentive could range from personal financial gain to avoiding negative consequences, and the opportunity could be a specific weak point in a system that allows the fraud to occur.