Final answer:
The protection of private property encourages economic growth by ensuring that individuals can securely hold onto the proceeds of their hard work without the immediate need to consume or personally defend their assets.
Step-by-step explanation:
The protection of private property is crucial for allowing individuals to utilize the proceeds of their hard work in a manner that suits their needs and preferences. When property rights are safeguarded by law, people are more inclined to engage in economic activities, as they have the assurance that their assets and investments are secure. As such, the correct answer to the student's question is C. people need neither immediately consume nor spend energy protecting the proceeds from their hard work. The protection provided by these laws means that property owners do not have to mitigate the risk of theft or damage themselves; instead, they can rely on the legal system to enforce these rights. This security encourages individuals to save and invest, rather than quickly consuming their earnings, and helps to create an environment conducive to economic growth and prosperity.