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Define: Willful and wanton conduct

The meaning of “Willful and wanton conduct” differs based on where it is used. We list many below, then combine them into one or more market-standard definitions.

How is ""Willful and wanton conduct"" defined in a legal contract?

  • Willful and wanton conduct means a course of action that shows either a conscious intention to cause harm or, when not intentional, an utmost indifference or complete disregard for the safety of others and their property. This definition applies where a 'willful and wanton' exception is incorporated into any immunity under a specific act. Seen in 8 SEC Filings.
  • Willful and wanton conduct means behavior purposefully engaged in, which is identified as dangerous and executed heedlessly and recklessly, without caring about the consequences or the safety and rights of others, particularly the plaintiff. Seen in 2 SEC Filings.
  • Willful and wanton conduct means an act showing either a distinct intent to cause harm or, when not intentional, indicating an utter indifference or stark inattention to the safety of others and their property. The dismissal or total disregard for the safety of others is being described here as more than mere inadvertence, incompetence, or lack of skill. Seen in 1 SEC filing.

Note: pulled this data out of the SEC EDGAR Database of 500,000 records from the past 22 years of filings. We regularly update this page as new filings and definitions come in.

yourself to verify these results. We are always keen to point people to source documents.

Which definition should you use?

🤔 has combined and improved the above descriptions to create market-standard 'Genie definitions' below, with guidance on which documents and which industry to use for each.

Genie Definition 1

  • Willful and wanton conduct means purposeful action done recklessly, displaying complete indifference to others' safety and their property.

Relevant Contract Types

Relevant Circumstances

  • Health and safety breaches
  • Gross misconduct cases
  • Disputes involving negligence

Relevant Sectors

Genie Definition 2

  • Willful and wanton conduct means failure to act against known dangers, substantiating complete indifference or conscious disregard for safety.

Relevant Contract Types

Relevant Circumstances

  • Product recall situations
  • Cases involving foreseeable harm
  • Incident response plans and risk assessments

Relevant Sectors

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What is the most popular definition of 'Willful and wanton conduct'?

Willful and wanton conduct means purposeful action done recklessly, displaying complete indifference to others' safety and their property.

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