Final answer:
Gross negligence is best described as a disregard for the safety of others (option 3) and signifies an extreme form of carelessness, which goes beyond ordinary negligence and shows a substantial deviation from reasonable care.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question, "Which of the following best describes gross negligence?" is related to law and focuses on a particular type of negligence that can have severe consequences.
Gross negligence is best described as a disregard for the safety of others. This means that someone is not just negligent, but their actions go beyond ordinary negligence to the point of a complete lack of care towards the safety and well-being of others. Actions or omissions that constitute gross negligence demonstrate a substantial deviation from the conduct expected of a reasonable person. It is an extreme form of carelessness that has the potential to cause severe harm or damage.
The scenarios presented as examples, where poor judgment leads to severe consequences and where one's actions harm not just others but also themselves, align closely with the concept of gross negligence. The impact of such poor judgment and negligence underscores the importance of exercising reasonable care in all activities.