What term is used to describe extreme negligence in legal contexts?

In legal contexts, the term used to describe extreme negligence is "culpable negligence." This concept signifies a severe lack of due care that goes beyond mere failure to act; it involves a blatant disregard for the safety and well-being of others. Culpable negligence typically implies a degree of recklessness or willful misconduct that can lead to significant harm or injury. It is often associated with criminal proceedings where the individual's actions demonstrate a conscious choice to ignore the potential risks involved.

In contrast, other forms of negligence like ordinary negligence refer to a failure to exercise the reasonable care that a typical person would in similar circumstances, which may not reach the level of culpability or severity implied in culpable negligence. Active negligence denotes a direct action causing harm, while incidental negligence refers to unintentional negligence that occurs as a secondary consequence of an action. Thus, "culpable negligence" specifically captures the essence of extreme negligence, highlighting a serious breach of duty that holds legal ramifications.