What characterizes a moral hazard?

A moral hazard refers to a situation where the behavior of a party changes to the detriment of another after a transaction or agreement has taken place. Specifically, it characterizes the increased likelihood of loss due to personal habits when individuals or organizations do not bear the full consequences of their actions. For example, if a person has insurance coverage for their property, they may take greater risks or show less caution because they know that any losses will be covered by the insurer. This shift in behavior is reflective of the moral hazard, as the insured party may not act as prudently as if they were fully exposed to the risk of loss.

In contrast, the other choices focus on different aspects of risk and loss. Carelessness, structural issues, and external environmental factors do not specifically reflect the concept of moral hazard, which is fundamentally rooted in changes to behavior due to the existence of insurance or a safety net.