Which term refers to a civil wrong that causes loss or harm to an individual?

The term that refers to a civil wrong causing loss or harm to an individual is a tort. A tort is an act or the result of an act that infringes on the rights of another individual, leading to legal liability for the person who commits the tort. It encompasses a wide range of actions, such as negligence, defamation, and trespass, and is distinct from criminal acts, which involve wrongs against society as a whole.

Understanding tort law is essential because it provides individuals with a means to seek compensation for damages incurred as a result of someone else's wrongful conduct. For instance, if an individual is injured in a car accident due to another person's negligence, that person may file a tort claim to recover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The other options relate to different aspects of law and liability. A contract pertains to a legally binding agreement between parties, legislation refers to laws enacted by a governing body, and liability encompasses the condition of being legally responsible for something, often as a result of tortious conduct. Each of these terms plays a role in the broader context of legal principles, but they do not directly define a civil wrong in the same way that tort does.