Recklessness under the law is more than carelessness or mere negligence.

It is "unfortunate" that a maximum penalty of imprisonment for a term of five years has been applied to offences that can be committed through mere negligence.

Punitive damages are usually reserved for when the defendant has displayed actual intent to cause harm (such as purposefully rear-ending someone else's car), rather than in cases of mere negligence.

But the facts alleged would none the less, if proved, have afforded ground for an action for mere negligence.

Some jurisdictions recognize one or more designations less than actual intentional wrongdoing, but more egregious than mere negligence, such as "wanton", "reckless" or "despicable" conduct.

Punitive damage awards generally require a higher showing than mere negligence, but lower than intention.

"In some areas this could be beyond mere negligence - I won't say corruption," Mr. Vartan said.

When attempts to bring back important businessman Louis Sarapis fail, it's clearly more than mere negligence.

Indeed, the facts disclosed in this trenchant report go beyond the realms of mere negligence and indolence.

On the other hand, could mere negligence, or carelessness, or innocent action, be enough to prove liability under such a rule?