What are intentional torts primarily characterized by?

Intentional torts are primarily characterized by actions that are meant to be harmful. This type of tort involves deliberate conduct that causes injury or damage to another person, reflecting a purposeful choice to inflict harm or violate someone's rights. Examples include assault, battery, and defamation, where the perpetrator acts with the intention of causing harm, rather than simply resulting in an unfortunate outcome or error.

This focus on the intention behind the act distinguishes intentional torts from other categories like negligence, which often arises from unintentional mistakes or carelessness. In contrast to acts that are harmless or those that result in financial loss without intent to cause harm, intentional torts require a conscious decision to engage in behavior that is expected to injure someone or damage property. Thus, the defining characteristic of intentional torts rests in the willful intent to harm, making the answer that identifies these acts as intentionally harmful the most accurate choice.