What does the term 'tort' refer to?

The term 'tort' refers specifically to a civil wrong that causes harm or loss to an individual, for which the injured party is entitled to compensation. This legal concept arises from the notion of private wrongdoing, where one party's actions result in harm to another, not necessarily involving criminal conduct.

In tort law, the primary objective is to provide relief to the injured party through damages, which can include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Unlike criminal law, which deals with actions that are offenses against the state or society as a whole and may lead to imprisonment or fines, tort law focuses on the rights and remedies for private individuals.

Thus, the correct answer highlights the core purpose of torts in the legal system, emphasizing compensation due to private wrongdoing, while the other options address different legal concepts or contexts that are not directly related to the definition of a tort.