What principle does the "but for" test embody in actual causation?

The "but for" test is a fundamental principle used in tort law to establish actual causation, particularly in negligence cases. This test asserts that an injury is considered to have been caused by a defendant's actions if the injury would not have occurred "but for" those actions.

In this context, if an individual's negligent act is the decisive factor leading to the injury, then it meets the "but for" condition; without that negligent act, the injury would not have happened. This approach focuses on the direct link between the defendant's conduct and the resultant harm.

The other options point to different aspects of tort liability that do not directly relate to the specific inquiry of causation under this test. The principle accurately reflects the essence of the "but for" test, which emphasizes the necessity of the negligent act in the chain of events leading to the injury.