What must be proven in order to hold an individual financially liable?

To hold an individual financially liable, it must be proven that they acted through negligence or willful misconduct. This means that the individual did not meet the required standard of care expected in managing property, either by failing to take reasonable precautions (negligence) or by intentionally acting in a way that disregarded the possible negative consequences of their actions (willful misconduct). This establishes a clear link between the individual's actions (or lack thereof) and the financial loss incurred.

The concept of liability centers on the individual's responsibility for their actions in relation to property accountability, and showing either negligence or willful misconduct solidifies the case for financial responsibility under property accountability policies. Establishing one of these grounds demonstrates that the individual had a duty to protect the property and failed in that duty, resulting in a financial loss.