Who can be charged the full amount of liability in a financial investigation?

The correct answer highlights that both accountable officers and contractors can be charged the full amount of liability in a financial investigation, which is vital for understanding the principles of property accountability outlined in AR 735-5. This provision ensures that anyone who has official responsibility for government property is held accountable for any losses or discrepancies during a financial investigation.

Accountable officers are individuals in designated roles responsible for maintaining and recording property accountability and can be held liable if there is a failure or negligence in managing government property. Similarly, contractors, who often handle government property during contracts, also bear a level of responsibility for safeguarding and ensuring the proper use of that property. This means they can equally be liable in the event of loss or damage, reflecting the seriousness of accountability at all levels of property management within the military context.

The other options mainly restrict liability to specific groups, neglecting the broader principle of responsibility that applies to both accountable officers and contractors, which is essential in fostering a culture of accountability in property management. Understanding this concept is crucial for effective oversight and enforcement of property accountability policies.