Which of the following best summarizes the duty owed in a negligence claim?

The duty owed in a negligence claim revolves around the concept of providing a standard of care to prevent harm to others. This standard involves acting in a manner that complies with legal obligations and societal expectations. In essence, individuals and entities are expected to act with reasonable care to avoid causing foreseeable harm to others.

By summarizing the duty as a responsibility to act in a way that meets legal obligations, it emphasizes not only the adherence to laws but also the importance of recognizing and fulfilling the duty of care that one has to others. This is foundational in negligence claims, as the breach of this duty is what typically leads to liability.

The other options do not capture the essence of legal duty in negligence. Maximizing personal gain might lead to actions that could harm others, thereby breaching the duty of care. Avoiding contact with others could suggest a neglect of responsibilities rather than the proactive approach needed to uphold duties. Ignoring potential risks directly contradicts the principle of acting reasonably to prevent harm, which is fundamental in negligence theory.