What is meant by vicarious liability?

Vicarious liability refers to a legal principle where one party is held responsible for the actions or omissions of another party, typically in a relationship where the first party has some degree of control or influence over the second party. This concept is commonly applied in employer-employee relationships, where employers can be held liable for negligent actions of their employees carried out in the course of their employment.

In this context, option B highlights that vicarious liability is about accountability arising from someone else's actions, which accurately captures the essence of the concept. For instance, if an employee causes an accident while performing job duties, the employer might be liable for the damages resulting from that accident, despite not being directly involved in the negligent act itself.

The other options do not accurately reflect the nature of vicarious liability. Liability for one's own actions pertains to personal accountability, while stating that liability can never be transferred or is limited based on contribution fails to encapsulate the overarching principle of vicarious liability as it relates to third-party actions. Thus, the focus on liability arising from another's actions is what makes option B the correct choice regarding vicarious liability.