Which of the following describes "criminal negligence"?

Criminal negligence is characterized by a person's failure to be aware of a substantial risk that their actions could cause harm. This form of negligence typically involves a lack of awareness that leads to a significant departure from the standard of care a reasonable person would exercise under similar circumstances.

In this case, the correct answer accurately reflects this definition of criminal negligence, emphasizing the failure to recognize a situation that could potentially lead to danger or injury. This lack of awareness is what distinguishes criminal negligence from other forms of wrongdoing, where there is either intent to harm or conscious disregard for known risks, as seen in the other options.

The other choices describe different mental states or behaviors that do not align with the definition of criminal negligence. Understanding this distinction is crucial for identifying the various levels of culpability in the legal context.