Answer:
III. The sale of shares
Step-by-step explanation:
Since the shares were given as a gift, Gardner's basis will be the same as Smith's basis (3 years), therefore any gain must be reported as a long term capital gain.
The loan to Carson classifies as a non-business bad debt which must be reported as a short term capital loss, not a long term capital loss.
Losses or gains on sale or disposal or assets are classified as ordinary losses or gains, not capital gains.