Final answer:
Autoclaving is capable of destroying bacterial spores; it is the most effective method listed for this purpose, as other methods like disinfection, ethylene oxide gas, and alcohol are not as reliable in killing spores.
Step-by-step explanation:
The method that destroys bacterial spores is autoclaving. Autoclaving uses high temperatures and pressure to sterilize equipment and materials, thus it is capable of killing bacterial spores, which are highly resistant to most other forms of sterilization. Disinfection, ethylene oxide gas, and alcohol can be potent germicides or disinfectants, but they do not typically destroy bacterial spores with the same reliability as autoclaving. Ethylene oxide gas is a strong alkylating agent that can inactivate enzymes and nucleic acids, leading to low-temperature sterilization, and similarly, formaldehyde can also be effective against spores. Alcohols, while effective against vegetative cells and some viruses, are not sporicidal but can inhibit sporulation and germination processes.