Final answer:
The value identified by Gans as competition refers to the rivalry between businesses as they strive to attract customers, improve products, and increase profits, leading to innovation, efficiency, and economic growth. This competition can benefit consumers and contribute to increased prosperity for society. Option C is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The value evidenced by reporters when they assume that businesspeople compete with one another to create increased prosperity for all was identified by Gans as competition (C).
Competition in business refers to the rivalry between businesses in the marketplace as they strive to attract customers, improve products, and increase profits. This competition can lead to innovation, efficiency, and ultimately, economic growth. By competing with one another, businesspeople create incentives to develop new and better products, lower prices, and provide better services, all of which can benefit consumers and contribute to increased prosperity for society as a whole.