What is the intent described in an intentional tort?

In the context of intentional torts, the intent described involves a clear purpose to cause harm or injury to another individual. This means that the person committing the action had a conscious desire or was aware that their actions would likely result in harm to someone else. The focus of intentional torts is on the perpetrator's state of mind, demonstrating that the actions were not just reckless or careless, but were indeed deliberate attempts to affect another person negatively.

This concept is rooted in the legal principle that for a tort to be deemed intentional, the actor must possess the specific intent to bring about the consequences of their action. Therefore, the law recognizes various categories of intentional torts, such as assault, battery, and false imprisonment, all characterized by the perpetrator’s intention to inflict harm or distress upon another person.

In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of legal principles. Negligent harm focuses on actions that are careless rather than purposeful, unintentional damages pertain to accidents without malice, and indifference to others can sometimes align with negligence or recklessness but does not meet the criteria for intent required to classify an act as an intentional tort.