Which of the following is a primary example of a catastrophic loss?

A primary example of a catastrophic loss is a loss due to war. Catastrophic losses are typically large-scale events that result in substantial damage and losses, affecting a wide range of people or properties. War can lead to widespread destruction, loss of life, and significant economic impact, making it a clear example of a catastrophic event.

In contrast, the other options involve losses that are typically more contained and can often be managed through standard risk management or insurance practices. Loss due to theft is an individual occurrence that can affect a single person or entity. Loss from a minor accident generally results in limited damages that do not have widespread implications. Loss from wear and tear reflects the inevitable decline of an item's condition over time, which is a normal part of its lifecycle rather than a one-time catastrophic event. Therefore, while all these scenarios represent types of losses, the loss due to war stands out as embodying the characteristics of a catastrophic loss.