Final answer:
Dr. Smith's act of destroying records relevant to a malpractice case is known as spoliation of evidence, a serious offense that could result in legal sanctions or criminal charges.
Step-by-step explanation:
When Dr. Smith intentionally destroyed certain records and other evidence that was relevant to the legal proceedings in which he was being sued for malpractice, he engaged in an act known as spoliation of evidence. This is a legal concept that refers to the intentional, reckless, or negligent withholding, hiding, altering, fabricating, or destroying of evidence relevant to a legal proceeding. Courts dislike this practice because it undermines the integrity of the judicial process, and it could lead to sanctions against Dr. Smith or even an inference that the destroyed evidence would have been unfavorable to his case. In more serious circumstances, it could also lead to criminal charges for obstruction of justice.