What must be established for the defendant to be held liable?

For the defendant to be held liable in a legal context, it is essential to establish that a legal duty was owed to the plaintiff. This legal duty forms the foundation of liability in tort law, which governs civil wrongs. When a legal duty exists, it indicates that the defendant was obligated to adhere to a standard of care or conduct toward the plaintiff. If it can be proven that this duty was breached and that the breach caused harm or injury to the plaintiff, liability can be established.

Other options, while they may be relevant in certain contexts, do not universally apply as necessary conditions for liability. Personal relationships, financial obligations, or public interest aspects may affect various legal situations, but they are not fundamental to the establishment of liability. The essence of legal liability hinges on the existence of a recognized duty, supporting the principle that individuals and entities must act with care toward others to avoid causing harm.