What principle states that a person is responsible for the foreseeable consequences of their actions?

The principle that a person is responsible for the foreseeable consequences of their actions is best encapsulated by the term 'liability.' Liability encompasses the legal and moral responsibility one has for their actions, particularly when those actions result in harm or damage. This principle indicates that if someone acts in a way that can foreseeably lead to negative outcomes, they can be held accountable for those results.

In the context of liability, it is understood that individuals must conduct themselves in a manner that does not cause harm to others. If harm does occur, and it can be linked to the person's actions in a foreseeable way, they may face legal repercussions. This principle is foundational in understanding personal responsibility in both legal and moral frameworks.

Direct liability refers specifically to a party being directly responsible for their own actions without involvement from another party, while negligent liability relates more to failures in exercising reasonable care that lead to harm. Vicarious liability, on the other hand, involves one party being held liable for the actions of another, often in contexts like employment. While these concepts relate to liability, they address specific scenarios within the broader principle rather than defining the principle itself.